NEW BOUNDARY PROPOSALS

Hyndburn may no longer have an MP after next year under a proposed review of electoral boundaries in order to equalise the number of constituents in parliamentary seats. Existing wards in Accrington and its surrounding districts will make up the smaller share of two new constituencies of Burnley South and Accrington, and Darwen and Haslingden.  Under the new proposals, Rishton would become part of the parliamentary constituency of Blackburn with Darwen and Rossendale.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones accused the Government of 'gerrymandering' the consituency boundaries for electoral gain. He said, 'There's no logic to it at all and this has happened right across the country where there is chaos. Some of the constituencies are ridiculous. How can you have Rishton in with Tockholes, Peel in with Cliviger or Spring Hill in with Edenfield? This is absolutely barmy when people are losing their jobs and the economy is really struggling. It's an absolute disgrace.'

Public consultation is due to end on 5th December 2011 and comments can be sent to the Boundary Commission website by emailing northwest@bcommengland.x.gsi.gov.uk or writing to Boundary Commission for England, 35 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BQ.

A Facebook campaign has also been set up:
Campaign to keep Hyndburn as a constituency