FINAL plans for new electoral boundaries in County Durham have been submitted to Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister John Prescott.

The recommendations from the Local Government Commission for England mark the end of a year-long review in the county and signal wide-ranging changes to electoral boundaries.

The main effect of the proposals will be to increase the number of county councillors in Durham from 61 to 63, with both Chester-le-Street and Durham City gaining an extra member.

Professor Malcolm Grant, commission chairman, said: "Our public consultation earlier this year on draft proposals was very successful, and has led to us reconsidering them in the light of the comments we have received.

"The aim of our review has been to ensure that, as far as possible, one person's vote should have the same value as another's.

"The improvements in electoral equality we have recommended today meet that objective without disrupting community interests."

The commission is confirming its draft recommendations for county divisions in Chester-le-Street, Derwentside, Easington, Teesdale and Wear Valley.

In Durham City and Sedgefield, the commission is changing a number of recommendations to reflect local concerns raised during consultation.

Anyone who would like to raise points about the new electoral arrangements should write to: The Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Local Government Sponsorship Division, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU.

The commission's report for County Durham will be available at council offices and public libraries.

People can also log on to the commission's Internet website at www.lgce.gov.uk