COUNCILLORS could lose their seats without a vote at the 2019 elections, after new proposals to redraw the Forest of Dean Council ward map with nine fewer members were unveiled.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is carrying out the electoral review, which would see 39 district councillors instead of the current 48. It wants voters to have their say on how the wards are reshaped.

It wants residents and groups to give their views on redrawing the boundaries to accommodate fewer council members in more equal-sized wards. The review has been triggered by a formal request from the council.

In drawing up new boundaries, the commission said it aims to deliver electoral equality for voters, so that each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters.

The review also aims to ensure that the new council wards reflect the interests and identities of communities across Forest of Dean.

Chair of the Commission, Professor Colin Mellors, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for Forest of Dean.

“As we develop the recommendations, we will take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters.

“If you have a view about which communities or neighbourhoods should be part of the same council ward, then we want to hear from you.

“And if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of Forest of Dean, then this consultation is for you. Alternatively, if you’re simply interested in the way the district is run, just log on to our website to explore our interactive maps and have your say. Your views will make a difference. 

“Residents will then have a further chance to have their say after we publish our draft recommendations in September.”

People have until June 5 to submit their views.

See consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk for further information and interactive maps of the existing wards.

The new wards are scheduled to come into effect in two years time.