The public are invited to give their views on how ward boundaries should be shaped in the borough of Maidstone in the future.

That was the message from representatives Richard Buck and Paul Nizinskyj from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England who presented a public consultation via a Teams online link.

Although, the meeting was open to everyone to attend, it was mostly borough and parish councillors who logged on.

The commission has taken the decision to reduce the number of councillors from 55 to 48 when the changes come into effect from May 2024.

Having fewer members means new ward boundaries have to be drawn up, and it was there that the public could help.

Mr Buck said: "We want to know which communities fit well together, and which don't go together. The more information we receive the better informed will be our final decision."

The consultation runs until April 4.

Mr Buck said there was no template for submissions - the commission was happy to receive written letters, emails, or online responses, but he stressed what the commission needed to see was evidence to support any views expressed.

Cllr David Burton, the leader of Maidstone council said: "This review of the make-up and number of wards in the borough is to ensure that everyone is equally and fairly represented by councillors.

"Combined with the move to four yearly elections, it will lead to a significant change so I would encourage anyone interested to respond to the consultation."

Cllr Burton said: "I'm particularly pleased that the review has come after the council took the decision to switch to full council elections.

"That gives the Commission the utmost flexibility when it comes to ward boundaries; had we stuck with elections by thirds, we would likely to have been forced into three-member wards.

"As it is, there is the possibility of maintaining single-member wards where that is the most appropriate for the community."

There has not been a ward boundary review in Maidstone for 20 years, during which time elector numbers have grown disproportionately. Of the borough's 26 wards, eight currently vary from the average number of electors, which is 3,500, by more than 10%, and in one ward, Park Wood, the variance is 26%.

The Commission is a Government body and it will have the final say on ward boundaries - not the council.

The Commission has a dedicated section on its website where people can give their views.

Or people can e-mail to reviews@lgbce.org.uk

Or write to: Review Officer (Maidstone), LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth, NE24 9FE