DORSET residents are being asked to help draw up a new pattern of electoral divisions for the county council.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is consulting with the public as part of an electoral review in the region.

The Commission has announ-ced that it is minded to recommend that the authority should have 46 councillors in the future, one more than it currently has.

It is looking to deliver electoral equality for voters in council elections so each county councillor represents roughly the same number of voters.

Max Caller, chairman of the commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new electoral divisions for Dorset.

“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.

“And if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of Dorset, 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.”

He added: “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 Dorset or just a small part of the county.”

People have until December 1 to submit their views, with more information available at consultation.lgbce.org.uk or lbgce.org.uk Residents will have another chance to have their say when the Commission’s draft recommendations are published next May.