THE number of county councillors in Cheshire could increase by three in proposals being considered as part of a major review.

At present there are 48 members and the county council believes the figure should perhaps rise to 51, with new divisions created in Congleton, Vale Royal and Macclesfield.

The option is one of a number of changes being put forward by the county council and may form the basis of its submission to the Local Government Commission for England.

Cty Clr Jeff Minshall, chairman of the Electoral Review Panel, said: "The commission expects certain boundaries to be altered to take into account changes in population since the last review of 19 years ago and so that each county councillor represents roughly the same number of voters."

County councillors want to hear from residents about two different options for boundary changes being put forward for the Congleton and Vale Royal areas.

Exhibitions are taking place at venues across the county. Visitors and consultees will be asked to send their views to Robin Roberts, member and civic services manager, Cheshire County Council, Chester, CH1 1SF.

All written submissions must be with the county council by April 15, so that they can be taken into account before the council decides on its submisssion to the commission.

"Basically anyone can make their views known and we believe it most important that residents do so before we send in our detailed proposal," added Cty Clr Minshall.

"We all have a say in helping shape the electoral map in Cheshire for the 21st century and any changes made will be in place for the county council elections taking place in 2001."

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