Castle Point has escaped planned parliamentary boundary changes which could make a dramatic difference to the political map of Essex.

The Boundary Commission is planning the changes, which will mean major alterations to constituences around the rest of south Essex.

Basildon town centre and Billericay would become a new constituency with Wickford being joined with Rayleigh.

Pitsea and Vange would become part of a new constituency of East Thurrock and Pitsea and South Woodham and the surrounding area would move from Rayleigh to the Maldon constituency.

The commission said no change was needed in Castle Point as the electorate was within guidelines.

Published Thursday, May 1, 2003

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