Review will re-draw Chorley's political map

It comes as a consultation launches in the first part of an electoral review which will re-draw ward boundaries across the area.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking residents for their help to draw up a new pattern of council wards for Chorley Council.

It has also announced that Chorley Council should have 42 councillors in future - five fewer than the current arrangements.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, leader of Chorley Council, said: “We’ve welcomed the review as our borough has changed considerably since the last one and the most important thing is that the boundaries allow councillors to represent residents as best as they can.

“The commission’s suggestion to reduce the number of councillors is in line with the council’s recommendation from the full council meeting in April.

“We’d urge as many people as possible to take part in the consultation and let the commission know their views.”

In drawing up new boundaries, the Commission says 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, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities across Chorley.

Professor Colin Mellors, chairman of the Commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for Chorley.”

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 Chorley, then this consultation is for you.

“If you’re 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.

“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 Chorley 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.”