A CONSULTATION of a review looking in to a boundary shake up of local parishes has been launched.

Test Valley Borough Council initiated the first round of consultation for its Community Governance Review today.

The review gives local people the opportunity to have their views heard about where they believe parish arrangements should be changed.

This could include the creation or abolition of parishes and parish councils, or changes to parish boundaries.

Corporate portfolio holder, councillor Maureen Flood, said: “This review is all about giving local people a democratic voice by telling us what works in their parishes and what doesn’t. 

"We’re starting with a completely blank canvas and are open to all suggestions, from minor boundary changes to the more complex changes to accommodate our expanding communities.

"We’d like to hear from as many people as possible, so if you have feedback about your current parish arrangements I urge you to get in touch.”

This follows the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s review of the borough council’s own wards, which was carried out earlier this year.

Any changes brought about as a result of the review will be implemented in time for the parish and town council elections scheduled for May 2019.

The first period of consultation starts today and will remain open for 11 weeks.

The council will use the feedback to produce draft proposals in the spring, which will be subject to a second public consultation.

To have your say, write to Community Governance Review (Chief Executive’s Service), Test Valley Borough Council, Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover, SP10 3AJ or email cgr@testvalley.gov.uk.

For more information, visit testvalley.gov.uk/cgr.