WEST Devon residents are being sought after to help their borough council. The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking local people for their help to draw up a new pattern of council wards for West Devon Borough Council.

Following a six-week public consultation, the commission has also announced that it is minded to recommend that the council should have 31 councillors in the future — the same as the current arrangements.

The commission now needs information from people and groups across West Devon to help it to produce a new pattern of wards to accommodate these 31 councillors. In drawing up new boundaries, the commission aims to deliver electoral equality for 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 the borough.

Max Caller, chair of the commission, said: 'The starting point of an electoral review is for the commission to take a view on the number of councillors who should represent the authority in future. 'We are now asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for the borough. As we develop the recommendations, we will take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters. '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 borough or just a small part of it.'

Residents have until February 3, 2014, to submit their views. Further information on the review and interactive maps of the existing wards can be found at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and http://www.lgbce.org.uk">www.lgbce.org.uk  

l Residents will have a further chance to have their say after the commission publishes its draft recommendations in April 2014.