Residents are being asked for feedback on plans to change local council wards.

Views are sought from people living in the east of Medway on their opinions regarding proposals which would redraw the political map of the Towns.

Between July and September, a total of 327 representations from residents, councillors and political groups were made to the Local Government Boundary Commission on plans to change the way areas were represented.

During the consultation period, new boundaries were drawn up, including a new ward for St Mary’s Island and more focused representation on the Hoo Peninsula.

The organisation leading the consultation has now decided to ask for more feedback on the east of Medway.

Under the plans, Rainham Central and Rainham South would become Rainham South West and Wigmore, and Rainham South East respectively.

Hempstead and Wigmore would become Hempstead, Hale and Darland.

There would also be boundary and representative changes for Twydall, Watling and Rainham North.

Under the plans, the number of councillors across the Towns would increase from 55 to 59 in time for the next local elections in 2023.

The proposed alterations have to take into account how the population numbers are expected to change in the next five years, the inclusion of streets and amenities and also residents’ "community identity".

Rainham Central councillor Jan Aldous (Con) said: “The councillors from this ward submitted our thoughts and we think it’s a brilliant idea to bring all of Wigmore together.

“Our Conservative Party has put out some really good suggestions that I am hoping they will take on board.”

Cllr Hazel Browne (Lab) represents Twydall ward and lives in the current Watling ward where the boundaries are set to increase in size.

She said: “Watling as a whole is unrepresented at the moment and it doesn’t make sense where it ends. I think they have looked at that and taken it quite seriously.”

Regarding Twydall ward – which could see a reduction of one councillor – Cllr Browne said: “I’m totally against the reduction of representation. It’s about equality and making sure everyone is represented.”

Professor Colin Mellors, chairman of the commission, said: “We are publishing further recommendations for a new pattern of wards across the east of Medway and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.”

The consultation is open now and closes on Monday, January 11. Final recommendations are due to be published in March.

To view the consultation and to see a map of the plans to see what is happening, click.