PEOPLE in Redbridge are being given the chance to change the way they are represented by their local authority in a boundary consultation.

The Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC) released its proposals for new Redbridge council ward boundaries and names today (Tuesday, June 28), which could see big changes in the way people are represented by their councillors.

The biggest changes for Wanstead and Woodford are the creation of two separate wards for Wanstead, divided between ‘Wanstead Park’ and ‘Wanstead Village’.

Snaresbrook ward, which currently covers most of the ‘Wanstead Village’ area, could become ‘Snaresbrook and South Woodford’, getting rid of Roding ward altogether.

In Woodford Green, a new ‘Churchfields’ ward could replace Church End and Roding, while Bridge and Monkhams stay largely the same.

Redbridge Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal said: “Improving electoral equality in the borough is a very important issue.

“As our population continues to grow it is important all residents are represented equally.”

Anyone in the borough can submit their thoughts on the proposed changes until the eight-week public consultation period ends on August 22.

While there are no proposed changes to the number of councillors in Redbridge, the LGBC hopes its recommendations will mean each member will represent roughly the same number of people.

Chair of the LGBC Professor Colin Mellors said: “Over the next eight weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved.

“Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters - this means that each councillor represents a similar number of people so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same regardless of where you live.”

Leader of the Redbridge Conservatives Cllr Paul Canal “broadly welcomed” the proposals, particularly the two new Wanstead wards.

The Bridge councillor said: “I am pleased that Labour’s submission for the west of the borough was completely rejected.

“On the other side of the borough I am surprised the new Ilford Town ward is being split by a railway line.

“I urge every resident to look carefully at the proposals and would ask them to feed any ideas to me directly as well as the boundary commission.”

Councillor for Roding and leader of the Liberal Democrat group Ian Bond said he was largely happy with the proposals.

He said: "We believe there is still a big issue with the way Wanstead and South Woodford have been divided.

“In line with the Conservatives’ proposals for Wanstead, you’ve got a Wanstead Village ward that goes all the way up to Charlie Brown’s Roundabout in South Woodford.

“South Woodford has been unnecessarily split between three if not four wards.

“When the public sees the proposals I don’t think they will reflect where people think they live.”

Anyone who wants to submit their ideas can do so by emailing reviews@lgbce.org.uk or via the portal at https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/6736.