MEMBERS of the public are to have their say over proposed changes to a city's council wards.

Electoral boundaries in Sunderland are to be redrawn to even up voter numbers in each area.

It will affect all 25 wards, which since formation in 1974 take in Washington, Houghton-le-Spring and neighbouring villages of the former Durham coalfield.

The main changes in the proposals drawn up by council officers will see north Sunderland lose one of its six wards, Washington gain a fifth ward, while Doxford Park, now part of the Ryhope area in south Sunderland, would be included in a new Doxford ward.

Voter numbers under the proposed changes would vary from 8,399 to 9,720 in each of the 25 areas, compared with the present range of 6,517 to 14,212.

The proposals have brought a mixed response in the council chamber at Sunderland Civic Centre, but the public will be invited to make representations in a consultation exercise run through the city council's newsletter, delivered to all homes.

Final approval is required from the Boundary Commission, and any alterations are not expected to come into effect until 2004.