CONCERNS have raised about the proposed changes to the North Wiltshire parliamentary seat.

As part of a move to reduce the number of MPs in Westminster from 650 to 600, boundary changes are being made across the UK to existing constituencies.

It looks likely that Chippenham, which has a population of around 45,000 people will once again be a part of the same seat as Malmesbury and surrounding areas.

This will make the seat similar in makeup to what it was like when current MP for North Wiltshire, James Gray, won the seat in 1997.

Under current proposals by the Electoral Commission, who are responsible for overseeing the changes, the seat would be renamed Chippenham, which has alarmed local councillors.

Brinkworth Parish Council have objected to the plans, as have Cricklade Town Council.

Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall, chairwoman of Brinkworth council, said: “We consider that we are largely a rural constituency and that changing the name will alter the focus of policy to become more urban-centric.

“Chippenham is a major town but there’s quite a lot of rural communities that will be in that constituency.”

Gavin Grant, a prominent Liberal Democrat in the South West and Malmesbury Town Council member, supports the inclusion of Chippenham into the North Wiltshire seat, but says its name should remain.

“When we had North Wiltshire council, Chippenham was involved,” he said.

“The changes in 2010 were the only time it hasn’t been in seat in living memory.

“Putting it back in makes complete sense.

“We agree this area has been known as the North Wiltshire seat and agree it should remain the name.

“It would be confusing to call it Chippenham as the vast majority is the old North Wiltshire seat at there is already a Chippenham seat.”

Speaking about the proposed changes, Mr Gray said: “The seat will return to what it was like when I won it in 1997 and through to 2010.

“I like Chippenham very much, it is one of my favourite places, however I will be sad to lose Calne Without and Calne town.

“There will be representations made over the coming months about the changes I’m sure.”