A REVIEW is being carried out which could see the number of councillors on New Forest District Council of slashed.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking residents to hae their say about the electoral review and help in the re-drawing of the ward boundaries in the district.

The consultation is the first part of an electoral review.

The commission says the New Forest should have 48 councillors in future — 12 fewer than the current arrangements.

Professor Colin Mellors, the chair of the commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for New Forest. As we develop the recommendations, we will take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters.

“If you have a view about which communities or neighbourhoods should be part of the same council ward, then we want to hear from you. And if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of New Forest, then this consultation is for you.

“If you’re interested in the way the district is run, just log on to our website to explore our interactive maps and have your say.

“Your views will make a difference.We will carefully consider all evidence that is provided during this phase of the review, whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole of New Forest or just a small part of the district.

“Residents will then have a further chance to have their say after we publish our draft recommendations in June 2020.”

In drawing up new boundaries, the commission aims to deliver electoral equality for voters in council elections so that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters.

The review also aims to ensure that the new council wards reflect, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities across New Forest.

The electoral review consultation runs until March 2. Go to lgbce.org.uk for more information.