A CONSULTATION has been launched to help shape the new wards for Cumberland Council - with the body behind the consultation recommending an increase in the number of councillors.

The Local Government Boundary Commission is asking residents across the region to share their thoughts on where they live to ensure that the Cumberland Council wards 'best reflect the local communities'.

The Commission has decided that the number of councillors representing the Cumberland Council area should increase from 46 to 55. 

Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, said: "We are looking for your views, as local people, on how you think Cumberland should be represented in wards that reflect local communities and identities.

"By telling us about where you live and where you access local services, it will help us to create appropriate and meaningful boundaries.

"It might be something as straightforward as where you go for shops, schools or a sporting venue, whether you see a road, park or river as a dividing feature or the heart of a community, or which areas have joint projects.

"Hearing from local residents will give us important evidence to inform our recommendations for a pattern of wards for Cumberland that ensures each councillor represents about the same number of electors."

The consultation on the electoral review of Cumberland Council will close on February 24 and will help the commission to draw up proposed ward boundaries.

A further consultation will begin on July 1. 

Views on the consultation can be shared online by visiting www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/cumberland.