COLCHESTER residents are being asked about their local communities and facilities as part of plans to reshape council ward boundaries.

On Monday, the Gazette revealed the Local Government Boundary Commission for England was minded to reduce the number of councillors on Colchester Council from 60 to 51.

The move is expected to save £100,000 a year, although some councillors fear their workload in one of the country’s fastest growing towns will become too much.

From 2016, the borough will be split into 17 wards, each served by three councillors.

The commission has now launched a consultation on how the borough should be carved up.

Although each councillor should represent roughly the same number of voters, the wards should still represent communities in Colchester.

Those taking part in the new consultation will be asked which areas they identify as their local community, and where residents go to access local facilities.

People have until August 4 to visit lgbce.org.uk and submit their views. Draft recommendations will be published in October, when there will be a further consultation.