A CONSULTATION starts this month on where polling districts and polling stations are located during elections in Tendring.

Following changes by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, Tendring Council is reducing the number of councillors in the district from 60 to 48 next May.

The number of council wards will also be cut from 35 to 32.

As a result, the council’s electoral services team has looked at the most appropriate places for people to cast their votes during elections, and how the new wards should be split up into polling districts.

While many polling places have remained the same, the council says it has been necessary to introduce some new premises and stop using others.

Returning officer and council chief executive Ian Davidson said it is important for people to look at the proposed changes.

“Making sure voting is accessible to all is a crucial part of democracy," he said.

“I urge everyone to have a look at the proposals and see where they will be voting – subject to any changes following the consultation – from December.

“I also encourage people to come up with alternative suggestions for their polling arrangements.”

Everyone will be given the chance to have their say on where they vote as part of the consultation, which runs from today to August 28.

The initial proposals can be viewed at Clacton Town Hall, the council’s offices in Weeley and also online here.