RESIDENTS in Surrey Heath are being asked to help re-draw the ward boundaries across the borough.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking people across the borough for their help to draw up a new pattern of council wards for Surrey Heath Borough Council.

A consultation has been opened as the first part of an electoral review and the commission has also announced that it is planning to recommend that the council should have 34 borough councillors in the future which is six fewer than it has currently.

Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: "We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for Surrey Heath. As we develop the recommendations, we will take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters.

"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 Surrey Heath, then this consultation is for you. Alternatively, if you're simply interested in the way the borough is run, just log on to our website to explore our interactive maps and have your say.

"Your views will make a difference."

People and groups across Surrey Heath are needed to share their views on how a new pattern of wards could be created to accommodate 34 borough councillors.

The new pattern will aim to make it more electorally equal 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, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities across Surrey Heath.

Professor Mellors added: "We will carefully consider all evidence that is provided during this phase of the review whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole of Surrey Heath or just a small part of the borough.

"Residents will then have a further chance to have their say after we publish our draft recommendations in November."

The consultation will be open until October 10. For more information and to see interactive maps of the existing wards got to www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk