Voters in Tonbridge and Malling are being asked for their views on plans to significantly reduce the number of their elected representatives.

The Local Government Boundary Commission periodically undertakes a review, making adjustments to ward boundaries as necessary, to try to equalise the number of voters electing each councillor.

But on this occasion, the borough council in addition has asked the commission to reduce the overall number of councillors.

In a majority vote of 32 to 13 taken last May, the borough sought to cut the number of councillors from the present 54 to 43.

The change was backed by the majority Conservative group and opposed by the opposition parties.

In the event, however, the plan that the Commission has come up with will see the number of councillors reduced to 44, and the number of wards they represent cut from the present 24 to 19.

If finally approved, the bigger wards, will see the average number of electors per councillor rise from 1,821 currently to 2,234, rising again with population growth to 2,427 by 2027.

But first the Commission wants to hear the views of voters.

The Commission has an interactive map showing both present and proposed ward boundaries here.

The public have until December 13 to give their views.

The changes will affect every ward in the borough, no ward will stay the same.

Most wards will return two councillors, while seven will be three-member wards.

Walderslade remains an exception, being the only single member ward.

Among the changes, the current Wrotham, Ightham and Stansted ward will be enlarged to incorporate the parishes of Trottiscliffe and Addington. This ward will be named Pilgrims with Ightham.

Mereworth and Wateringbury will be placed in a ward together, along with East Peckham.

Professor Colin Mellors, the commission's chairman, said: "We want people in Tonbridge and Malling to help us.

“We have drawn up our proposals. We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people."

He said: “Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions.

"It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us.

“Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that."

People can give their views by e-mail to reviews@lgbce.org.uk

Or by post to: The Review Officer (Tonbridge & Malling), LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth, NE24 9FE

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