POLLING ward changes in Darlington will be in force by the elections next May.

Darlington Borough Council agreed on Thursday to proposals for new ward boundaries, which include merging six wards into three and adding two new divisions.

Northgate wards North and South will become one, as will the North and South divisions of Eastbourne. Sadberge and Whessoe wards will merge.

A new Haughton North ward and a Faverdale ward will be created. Improvements are also to be made to polling stations after discussions with disabled groups.

Councillor Gerald Lee, who represents Heighington, said more thought was needed on placement of polling stations in rural areas, and was told this would be considered.