BRACKNELL Forest residents have just a handful of weeks left to voice their opinions on a new map which will shape the borough for years to come.

A consultation has been running on proposals for a re-designed layout of Bracknell Forest since July after new council ward boundaries were revealed in March.

READ MORE: How to have your say on new Bracknell Forest map

Residents wishing to add their thoughts to the consultation have until Monday, September 7 to do so.

Comments can be left at https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/have-your-say/19640

Here’s a reminder of what is being proposed.

What are the key changes?

  • Crowthorne parish will be united in Crowthorne ward. Submissions demonstrated to the Commission evidence of strong community links in this area
  • The areas of Martins Heron, the Warren, and Forest Park will be included in Winkfield South ward along with other Winkfield parish residents. The Commission was persuaded by arguments that this area had strong community ties

What do these changes mean?

Essentially, the boundaries of all wards will change. 

The review is taking place to make sure councillors will represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements will help the council work effectively.

It is proposing that there should be 12 three-councillor wards, two two-councillor wards and one one-councillor ward.

Why are these changes being proposed?

The Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC) opened up a review of the boundaries within the borough because some councillors were representing hundreds more residents than other councillors.

Councillor Dale Birch, who spearheaded the council’s boundary review working group, told the News in March: “We went through a very rigorous process to ensure the new wards created provided for as close as possible to 2,537 electors [per councillor] as possible.

READ MORE: 'It needed to change' -- councillor's view on Bracknell Forest map

“We came up with a plan that allowed us to provide forty seats and allowed us to remodel some of the current boundaries.

“The immediate benefit to residents will be that there will be an equality of representation.

“When I put my hand up I’m going to do it with confidence my ward is properly served.”

What’s next?

After the consultation closes on Monday, September 7, responses will be considered by the LGBC.

Following this, a final recommendation on Bracknell Forest’s new map will be published on Tuesday, December 1.

Once approved, the final recommendations will take effect from the May 2023 borough-wide elections.