THE independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking local people for their help to draw up a new pattern of electoral divisions for Devon County Council.

The consultation is the first part of an electoral review which will re-draw division boundaries across the whole county.

The commission has also announced that it is minded to recommend that the county council should have 60 county councillors in the future, two fewer than the current arrangements.

The commission now needs information from people and groups across Devon to help it to produce a new pattern of electoral divisions to accommodate 60 county councillors.

In drawing up new boundaries, the commission aims to deliver electoral equality for voters in council elections so that each county councillor represents roughly the same number of voters. The review also aims to ensure that the new council divisions reflect, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities across Devon.

Max Caller, chair of the commission, said: 'We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new electoral divisions for Devon. 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, parishes or neighbourhoods should be part of the same county division, then we want to hear from you. Also, if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of Devon, then this consultation is for you. Alternatively, if you're simply interested in the way the county 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 Devon or just a small part of the county.

'Residents will then have a further chance to have their say after we publish our draft recommendations in May next year.'

Local people have until January 19, 2015 to submit their views. Further information on the review and interactive maps of the existing boundaries can be found by visiting http://www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk">www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk and http://www.lgbce.org.uk">www.lgbce.org.uk