Residents have been reminded to have their say on proposed changes which could see the number of councillors in County Durham cut by 28.

New plans to change the size of local boundaries by the Local Government Boundary Commission suggest the number could be reduced from 126 to 98, with new boundaries to be draw up to reflect the change.

The commission, which is the independent body that draws electoral boundaries, is reviewing arrangements in County Durham to ensure councillors represent a similar number of electors and that divisions can help the council work effectively.

Views on the proposed new pattern of electoral divisions for the council are sought and a 10-week consultation is nearly over and is due to close on Monday, January 30.

The Northern Echo: The current boundaries throughout County DurhamThe current boundaries throughout County Durham (Image: The Northern Echo)

To ensure that proposals reflect community ties and identities, the commission is interested in hearing people's thoughts about issues including:

  • which communities should be part of the same division
  • the facilities people share, such as parks, schools and shopping areas
  • issues neighbouring communities face and have in common
  • new developments that have changed the focus of communities
  • roads, rivers, railways or other features that people believe form strong boundaries between communities

The commission will use the feedback to draw up proposals for new boundaries. There will then be a further phase of consultation before boundaries are finalised.

People can give their views here: www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/38197