'Bonkers' plan could see Gloucestershire residents with different MP to neighbours
One of the proposals could see residents in Baunton Lane in Cirencester being split into different constituencies.
People who live in a Gloucestershire street could soon find themselves with a different MP than their neighbours who live across the road if “bonkers” proposals go ahead unchanged.
The Boundary Commission for England is currently considering potential changes to the county’s constituencies which are due to come into effect in 2023.
And one of their proposals could see residents in Baunton Lane, Cirencester, being split into different constituencies.
The Boundary Commission’s proposals, which are currently out for consultation, include creating two new parliamentary constituencies covering the Cotswold District.
One of those constituencies, which is currently suggested to be called ‘Cirencester and North Wiltshire’, would match areas in the south and east of the district such as Cirencester, Tetbury, Lechlade and Northleach in with areas currently in North Wiltshire.
And the other proposed constituency provisionally named ‘The Cotswolds’, would cover large areas of the north and west Cotswolds.
Baunton Parish Council chairman Peter Davies said the plans to split the lane did not make sense and he said the parish should be included in the same constituency as Cirencester.
He said: “We look to Cirencester. We are only two miles out of Cirencester.
“Baunton Lane would be split down the middle in terms of parliamentary representation which doesn’t make any sense at all. Wherever Cirencester goes we should be with it.”
This view is supported by Cotswold District Council which has submitted their suggestions on the issue.
People who wish to see how the proposals would impact their area can do so by visiting www.bcereviews.org.uk