Buckinghamshire residents now have a chance to share their views on how the new county boundaries should be drawn.

A consultation has opened for residents to have their say on proposed ward boundary changes in Buckinghamshire until December 5, which will also affect the number of councillors.

Following an initial consultation period, the Local Government Boundary Commission, an independent body, has drafted a plan how the new internal boundaries should look like next year to help the Council work effectively.

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Buckinghamshire currently has 147 councillors, and the Commission is proposing to cut the number of councillors to 98.

The Commission is proposing for 51 wards instead of 53 at present, represented by 10 three- councillor wards, 27 two-councillor wards and 14 single-councillor wards.

The boundaries of most wards should change, while five will stay the same, the Commission suggested.

Proposed changes include creating a single councillor Sands and Downley wards in High Wycombe area “as a result of strong community-based evidence,” the Commission said.

After visiting Amersham, the Commission thought Amersham Old Town shared closer links with Amersham Common and Amersham on the Hill as proposed by a local resident.

Therefore the Commission is proposing to link the three together instead of the current Penn Wood & Old Amersham ward, which links Amersham Old Town “with geographically distant communities in Penn parish and Holmer Green.”

Chair of the Commission Professor Colin Mellors asked Buckinghamshire people to help the Commission.

He said: “We have drawn up proposals for new wards in Buckinghamshire.

"We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities.

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“We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.

“Residents and local organisations can help us do that. We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions.

“It’s easy to get involved. Go to our website. Or you can e-mail or write to us.

“Just tell us what you think and give us some details why you think that. It’s really simple, so do get involved.”