RESIDENTS of a borough have been urged to respond to a new council ward map published this week.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has published draft proposals for new election boundaries in Pendle.

It is now asking for local people to respond by October 7 before a final version is approved for next year's poll.

In March the commission approved cutting the number of councillors in Pendle from 49 representing 17 wards to 33 politicians for 11.

The proposed new map will mean changes to every current ward in Pendle.

Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the commission, said: ““Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters so each councillor represents a similar number of people, so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same. We also want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities."

Pendle Council leader Cllr Mohammed Iqbal said: "Some local communities are being broken up. I urge people to respond "

Submission to the Commission, can be made by letter to The Review Officer (Pendle), Local Government Boundary Commission for England, 1st Floor, Windsor House, 50 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0TL or by email to: reviews@lgbce.org.uk