THE independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking local people for their help to draw up a new pattern of council wards for Redcar and Cleveland Council.

The consultation is the first part of an electoral review which will re-draw ward boundaries across the council area.

The Commission now needs information from people and groups across Redcar and Cleveland to help it to produce a new pattern of wards to accommodate 59 councillors.

In drawing up the new boundaries it aims to deliver electoral equality for voters in council elections so that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters.

The review also aims to ensure that the new council wards reflect the interests and identities of communities across Redcar and Cleveland.

Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the commission, said: “If you have a view about which communities or neighbourhoods should be part of the same council ward, then we want to hear from you. And if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of Redcar and Cleveland, then this consultation is for you.

“Your views will make a difference.”

Local people have until December 4 to submit their views after which draft recommendations will be published in February next year.

Further information on the review and interactive maps of the existing wards can be found at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk.