A NATIONAL committee which looks at boundary changes for local authorities is being asked to rethink its proposals for a Teesside authority.

The Boundary Commission has suggested changes for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, but the council says the calculations are flawed.

It underestimated the population of Saltburn and decided it should have two councillors rather than three, and overestimated the number for the St Germain's ward, saying it should have three councillors rather than two.

This has had a domino effect on its proposals for other wards in the area.

Although the commission has been told of its error, it has decided to press ahead with its consultation exercise, which gives people until July 8 to respond to the proposals.

Council leader David Walsh said the proposed new boundaries do not respect natural communities.

"I cannot accept the reasoning of the Boundary Commission. If our council made a mistake of this kind, one that affects the whole integrity of the process, we would start again and I think the boundary Commission should do just that."

Councillor Steve Kay, leader of the east Cleveland Independent party on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said the recommendations "make a mockery of community identity throughout the borough".

* People in Middlesbrough can find out about the commission's suggestions for changes at their local library and the town hall. Comments must reach the commission by July 8. The recommendation is that wards are reduced from 25 to 23, and the number of councillors from 53 to 48.