THE number of councillors in Taunton Deane is being cut by almost a quarter - and you can help decide the future shape of the district.

There is still time to tell the independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England where you think new council ward boundaries should be drawn across Taunton Deane.

The commission is asking people and organisations for their help to produce a new pattern of wards for 43 borough councillors - 13 fewer than the current arrangements.

Professor Colin Mellors, chairman of the commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up a new pattern of council wards for the whole borough.

“We want to hear local views on where people think the focal point of their community is and where the natural boundaries between communities might lie.

“As we draw new boundaries, we will try to ensure that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters.

"We also aim to produce a pattern of wards that reflects the interests and identities of local communities.

“The commission will carefully consider all evidence presented to it during this phase of the review whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole borough or just a small part of it.”

The commission is gathering local views before it draws up draft recommendations for a new pattern of wards which are due to be published in November.

Local residents and organisations will then get another chance to have their say in a further round of consultation.

This phase of consultation closes on September 5.

Members of the public can have their say on the new ward arrangements by writing to The Review Officer (Taunton Deane) Local Government Boundary Commission for England 14th floor, Millbank Tower Millbank London SW1P 4QP or e-mail: reviews@lgbce.org.uk