RESIDENTS of Newent, Dymock and other towns and villages in the Forest of Dean district are being asked for help in drawing up new boundaries for the council's wards.

The consultation is the first stage in a review of electoral boundaries within the district being carried out by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

The commission has already said it is thinking of reducing the number of councillors from 48 to 39. It now needs information from people and groups across the district to help it to produce a new pattern of wards.

In drawing up new boundaries, the commission aims to ensure that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters. The review also aims to ensure that the new council wards reflect, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities across the Forest of Dean.

Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for Forest of Dean.

“If you have a view about which communities or neighbourhoods should be part of the same council ward, then we want to hear from you.

"And if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of Forest of Dean, then this consultation is for you.

“Your views will make a difference. We will carefully consider all evidence that is provided during this phase of the review whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole of Forest of Dean or just a small part of the district.

“Residents will then have a further chance to have their say after we publish our draft recommendations in September.”

Local people have until June 5 to submit their views. Further information can be found at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk.