COLCHESTER’S ward boundaries could be ripped up and redrawn as part of plans to ensure councillors represent the "same number of electors."
An electoral review of Colchester City Council has been announced which could mean changes to the current number of wards the city has and new boundaries for these wards.
There are currently 17 wards covered by 51 Colchester City Councillors.
The councillors cover across Colchester and out into Wivenhoe, Mersea and Tiptree.
This consultation is being held by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, an independent body that is accountable to parliament.
It is asking to hear from the public on a broad range of issues affecting the area, and then the commission will use it to draw up a map of proposed boundaries.
The electoral review is being carried to ensure that each local councillor represents about the same number of residents, and the wards they represent reflect “community identities”.
The chairman of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, Professor Colin Mellors, said: “We are looking for your views, as local people, on how you think Colchester should be represented in wards that reflect local communities and identities.
“By telling us about where you live and where you access local services, it will help us to create appropriate and meaningful boundaries.
“It might be something as straightforward as where you go for shops, schools or a sporting venue, whether you see a road, park or river as a dividing feature or the heart of a community, or which areas have joint projects.
“Hearing from local residents will give us important evidence to inform our recommendations for a pattern of wards for Colchester that ensures each councillor represents about the same number of electors.”
Following an earlier consultation with the council, the Commission concluded that Colchester Council needs 51 councillors to be able to operate effectively.
The consultation at this stage of the electoral review lasts for ten weeks and will close on October 7.
There will be a further round of consultation once the commission has drawn up their proposals.
This second stage of the public consultation is expected to start on January 7 2025.
Pam Donnelly, Colchester Council Chief Executive, said: “This is a great opportunity for the people of Colchester to let the Local Government Boundary Commission know about their local community and what areas they feel most connected to and why.
An online community briefing to explain how local people can get involved will be held on August 13 at 6pm, a recording will be made available for those who cannot attend on the day.
You can join the briefing at tinyurl.com/3wz7u7ft.
If you would like to provide your views for this consultation, you can do by visiting lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/colchester.
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