COLCHESTER Council will have nine fewer councillors from 2016, it has been confirmed.

There will also be just 17 wards, down from 27, with three councillors in each ward.

Some wards, such as West Bergholt and Eight Ash Green, St Andrews, and East Donyland, will be consumed as part of bigger areas, confirmed as part of the Boundary Commission’s final proposals.

Will Quince, councillor for Prettygate, has campaigned for the number of councillors to be reduced.

He originally wanted it to be cut to 45, but a compromise with the other parties left it at 51. It will save £50,000 a year.

He said: “It is a significant amount of money. Times have been difficult for a lot of people and this shows we’re willing to do more with less too.”

He said the way people engage with councillors has changed, for example more is done via e-mail, meaning they could cope with fewer representatives.

Councillor Mike Lilley’s onecouncillor East Donyland will not exist under the new arrangements, replaced by Old Heath and the Hythe.

He said: “The only disappointment is the historical ward of East Donyland will disappear.

“The new ward is going to be a big area. I enjoy working by myself because you’re involved in everything.”

Pauline Hazell, councillor for Shrub End, requested the Gosbecks area stay in her ward, instead of coming under Stanway.

Ms Hazell said: “I would have been devastated if we lost it. I’m really grateful the commission listened.

“It is important because it is where Colchester began.”

The boundary between Highwoods and St Anne’s and St John’s will move so it runs along Ipswich Road.

Paul Smith, ward councillor for St John’s, said: “I’m delighted we have managed to get St John’s Church and the playing fields back into St John’s Ward.

“We are very happy from that point of view and I imagine the Highwoods councillors are too.”

Other changes include the New Braiswick Park area being incorporated into the Mile End ward.

The newly named New Town and Christ Church ward will now include Canterbury Road and the area around St George’s school.

The Boundary Commission held a 12-week consultation into the changes.

If Parliament approves the recommendations, they will come into force for next year’s local elections.

The 17 new wards are:

  • Rural North (includes Dedham, Langham and Boxted)
  • Marks Tey & Layer
  • Mersea & Pyefleet
  • Tiptree
  • Highwoods
  • Lexden & Braiswick
  • Mile End
  • St Anne’s & St John’s
  • Castle
  • Greenstead
  • Prettygate
  • Stanway
  • Wivenhoe
  • Berechurch
  • New Town & Christ Church
  • Old Heath & the Hythe
  • Shrub End