NEW boundaries are being proposed for council wards in Basildon Council and the Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals.

A 10 week consultation on the proposals has been launched and will run until 12 December.

The Commission is the independent body that draws boundaries and is reviewing Basildon to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively.  

The Commission has published proposals for changes to Basildon. It is proposing that there should be 42 councillors, the same number as under the existing arrangements. Those councillors should represent 14 three-councillor wards. Eight of the existing wards will change and six will stay the same. 

Proposed changes include: 

A uniform pattern of three-councillor wards across the borough 

A pattern of wards in and around Basildon town centre to accommodate forecast growth in the electorate 

 Launching the consultation Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: "We want people in Basildon to help us.  We have drawn up proposals for new wards in Basildon. We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities. We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people. 

"Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions. 

"It's easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us. 

"Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It's really simple, so do get involved" 

The Commission has a dedicated section on its website where people can see the detail of the proposals and comment on the names of wards and their boundaries.  

People can also give their views by e-mail at [email protected], and by post to The Review Officer (Basildon), LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth NE24 9FE