THE public consultation over Fenland’s new ward boundaries closes in a month.

The general public have until January 7 2013 to tell the independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England what they think of their draft recommendations.

The Commission has proposed Fenland District Council should have 39 councillors in the future, one fewer than the current arrangement.

The proposals would also mean changes to ward boundaries across the district.

Max Caller, Chair of the Commission, has called on Fenland’s residents to join in the discussion.

He said: ”We are keen to hear local views about our boundary proposals before we finalise them early next year.

“We want to make sure Fenland’s council wards reflect the interests and identities of local communities as well as delivering electoral fairness to voters.

“Time is running out to have your say.”

Fenland currently has high levels of electoral inequality, demonstrated by the Kingsmoor ward having 34 per cent fewer voters per councillor than the average for the district where as The Mills ward has 13 per cent more.

The types of questions the Commission is asking residents at this stage are: Do the proposed wards reflect local communities? How do you think the proposals can be improved whilst maintaining electoral equality? Are the names of the proposed wards right?

The Commission’s full recommendations and interactive maps are available at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and on the Commission’s website at www.lgbce.org.uk.

Copies of the Commission’s report and maps have also been made available to view at council buildings and libraries.