NEW boundaries are being proposed for 18 of the 19 council wards in Tameside.
The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals. A 10-week consultation on the proposals will run until August 9.
The commission is the independent body that draws these boundaries. It is reviewing Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively.
The commission has published proposals for changes to Tameside.
It is proposing the number of wards remain unchanged at 19 with three councillors per ward. One ward will remain the same, 18 will change
Proposed changes include:
• Hattersley area united within Longdendale ward rather than being split
• Change in Ashton to provide a stronger boundary between St Peter’s and Ashton Waterloo wards running along the railway line.
Launching the consultation, Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the commission, said: “We want people in Tameside to help us.
“We have drawn up proposals for new wards in Tameside. We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.
“Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions.
“It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us.
“Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved”
The commission has a dedicated section on its website where people can see the detail of the proposals and comment on the names of wards and their boundaries. Visit: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/have-your-say/24716
People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk and by post: Review Officer (Tameside), LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth, NE24 9FE.