CHANGES to the electoral wards in Darlington have been recommended, following a year-long review into the borough's voting areas.

The Local Government Commission for England has submitted its plans to Secretary of State for the Regions John Prescott, recommending the borough gains one councillor, but loses one ward.

Proposals include merging six wards into three, with the addition of two new divisions.

Eastbourne North and Eastbourne South will become one, as will Northgate North and Northgate South.

The new Eastbourne ward will have three councillors, one less than before, while Northgate ward will be represented by two councillors, rather than four.

The other wards to combine will be Sadberge and Whessoe, with one overall councillor, instead of one each.

A new Faverdale ward will have one councillor, while a Haughton North ward will be created with two.

Other changes include Haughton East losing one councillor to be represented by two, and Haughton West gaining one and becoming a three- member ward.

North Road will have its representation raised from two to three, and the renamed Heighington and Coniscliffe ward will have two councillors, an increase of one, covering the extra area.

Of the current 25 wards, 22 will have their boundaries altered.

Any comments on the proposals should be sent, in writing, to Mr Prescott at the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Local Government Sponsorship Division, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU.