Review could cut councillors

2:29pm Wednesday 25th July 2007

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Town and community councils throughout Pembrokeshire are currently undergoing an electoral review by the county council.

The periodic review is a statutory duty of the council and means that some area boundaries may change.

It is also recommending a reduction in councillor numbers.

Pembroke Town Council could be reduced by one member from the Monkton ward, reducing councillors from 12 to 11 and Pembroke Dock will also lose one councillor dropping to 13.

A county council spokesperson said: "We are at the draft proposal stage with both Pembroke and Pembroke Dock town councils. In these draft proposals, no changes are proposed to either of the town council boundaries, but reductions and redistribution of councillor representation are put forward to reflect changes in the electorates of the constituent town council wards."

In a statement issued by Pembroke Town Council the proposals for reduction were rejected due to Monkton's status as a disadvantaged area, included in the Communities First programme.

"Therefore, Pembroke Town Council is of the firm opinion that it is desirable in the interests of effective and convenient local government that the ward should be continue to be represented by three councillors" said a spokesman.

This is the first stage of the review process and consultation will be made before final proposals are submitted to the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales.

Further submissions from town councils will be requested by the commission before any findings are brought before the National Assembly which will make the overall decision.