TIME is running out for people across the Cotswolds to have their say on plans to shake up electoral wards across the district.

People who want to comment on the changes, which are being put forward by the Local Government Boundary Commission, must do so by Monday, April 28.

It is hoped that a change to the electoral wards across the Cotswolds will give voters more equality in local elections by creating wards with roughly the same number of voters in each.

The proposals will also reduce the number of councillors sitting on Cotswold District Council reduce from 44 to 34.

Cirencester’s electoral make up will change dramatically under the plans, with two of its existing wards being split into two.

The Beeches ward will become Beeches North and Beeches South while Chesterton will be split across the middle to become Chesterton East and Chesterton South.

At a meeting of Cirencester Town Council last month, councillors agreed that the newly created wards should be given new names.

It was agreed that Chesterton West be known as Fouracres ward and Chesterton East would simply be called Chesterton.

Councillors also decided to rename the Beeches South ward as New Mills, after a historic street in the town, and Beeches North would be shortened to Beeches.

Some local councils across the district have reacted negatively to the proposals, with councillors from both Fairford and Lechlade speaking out.

Under the new plans, parts of Fairford, Lechlade and Kempsford could be morphed into one ward.

Lechlade town and district councillor Sue Coakley said: “It’s really important that Lechlade is treated as one whole community. It would be impossible for the ward councillor to manage all the town councils and parish councils in that new area.”

Max Caller, chairman of the Local Government Boundary Commission, said: “We want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities across the district.

“We will consider all the submissions we receive whoever they are from and whether your evidence applies to the whole district or just part of it.”

Comments on the plans must be made in writing by Monday, April 28. Visit www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk for more details.