PEOPLE in Hillingdon are being asked to help re-draw council ward boundaries in the borough.

The consultation by the independent Boundary Commission is the first part of an electoral review, which will re-draw ward boundaries across the borough.

It says Hillingdon should have 53 councillors, 12 fewer than the current number.

The review is part of a three-year programme by the Commission to change ward boundaries in 25 London boroughs.

The Commission aims wants each councillor to represent roughly the same number of voters.

The review also aims to ensure the new wards reflect, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities across Hillingdon.Prof Colin Mellors, Commission chairman, said: “We will take into account 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 off Hillingdon, then this consultation is for you.

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“If you’re interested in the way the borough is run, just log on to our website to explore our interactive maps and have your say. Your views will make a difference.” 

Residents will have a further chance to have their say when draft recommendations are published in January.

Council leader Ray Puddifoot commented: “Hillingdon is a lively, thriving and popular place to live and work, but the council’s decision-making structures are out of touch with the way in which local government operates today. 

“Despite having only the 11th largest electorate, Hillingdon has the third largest amount of elected councillors among all the London boroughs. This is unnecessary. 

“The council’s electoral structure has not altered since 1999, but vast improvements in digital communications now allow councillors to handle complex cases more quickly and efficiently.”

Opposition leader Peter Curling said: “It is an opportunity for everyone to look at what makes sense, what doesn't, and how residents can be best represented.

"This is not an activity that councillors and politcal parties can undertake alone. This is more about the local identity of an area, rather than any political party.

“The entire community should be involved as they know their roads and towns better than anyone."

Go to consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk