AN independent commission is asking residents of a North-East town to comment on its draft proposals to cut its number of councillors.

A ten-week public consultation on the revised changes in Darlington begins today (Tuesday, March 11) and ends on May 20.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is recommending that Darlington Borough Council has 50 members in the future, three fewer than it currently has.

The recommendations also outline how those councillors should represent ten two-member wards and ten three-member wards across Darlington.

The consultation is open to anyone who wants to have their say on the proposed changes.

Max Caller, chairman of the commission, said: “We are publishing proposals for a new pattern of wards across Darlington and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.

“Over the next ten weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved.

“Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters. This means that each councillor represents a similar number of people so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same regardless of where you live.

“We also want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities across Darlington and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government to local people.

“We will consider all the submissions we receive whoever they are from and whether your evidence applies to the whole borough or just part of it.

For full details of the recommendations, visit lgbce.org.uk

To make comments, either email reviews@lgbce.org.uk or write to The Review Officer (Darlington), Local Government Boundary Commission for England, Layden House, 76-86 Turnmill Street, London EC1M 5LG.