MEMBERS of the public have expressed their dismay at the proposed changes to the electoral boundaries in North Yorkshire, amid concerns that community ties could be damaged.

The Boundary Commission hosted a meeting in Northallerton as part of a three month public consultation on Government plans to create equal numbers of voters in constituencies and cut the number of MPs by 50 across the UK.

The commission's proposal to split Upper and Lower Wensleydale into two constituencies - with one being grouped with Thirsk and the other Skipton - has sparked a furious reaction from councillors and residents, saying it would wreck family and community connections.

Other proposed changes to North Yorkshire constituncies include Stokesley being grouped with Filey and parts of York in a massive Malton constituency.

The existing constituencies in North Yorkshire actually fall within the guidelines set by the Boundary Commission but have been amended to accomodate changes to parliamentary seats in South and West Yorkshire.

Christopher Bourne-Arton, chairman of the Richmondshire Conservatives Association, said: “These proposals seem to be a topsy turvey way of dealing with this region. Why did the commission not start with North Yorkshire, where the boundaries meet the guidelines, and then move down across Yorkshire and tinker that way, instead of the other way round?

“Taking Upper Wensleydale from Richmond and lumping it in with Skipton and Ripon - it may be from the view of a map in London that it looks like a perfect fit, but if you have ever been to the Dales you would know that the top and and the bottom of Wensleydale go together.”

Rachel Allen, Richmondshire district councillor for Middleham, said: “Our communities in Wensleydale are linked by georgraphy and we recognise that our parishes, our villages and our districts follow the lie of the land and are defined at the edges by the high lands that surround us.

“An MP based in Skipton or Ripon would not be able to come and see us during the winter, it is impassable. It is no coincidence that the Upper Dales face towards Richmond and the North East, while Skipton and Ripon face towards Leeds.”