Boundary changes would break up North Ayrshire

Proposed boundary changes, while not affecting Arran residents other than a name change, will see some areas in North Ayrshire significantly affected.

For the most recent UK parliamentary election, held in June this year, residents in North Ayrshire were either in the North Ayrshire and Arran constituency or the Central Ayrshire constituency.

But now, following earlier consultation, the Boundary Commission has published its revised proposals which include two new constituencies in North Ayrshire, as reported in last week’s

They are: Arran and Cunninghame, which would cover Arran along with Irvine, Kilwinning, Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston, Dalry and Barrmill, and Renfrewshire West, which would see West Kilbride, Fairlie, Largs, Skelmorlie, Kilbirnie, Beith and Cumbrae form part of the same constituency as towns and villages from Renfrewshire, including Johnstone, Linwood, Howwood and Lochwinnoch as well as parts of Paisley.

Consultation has opened on the proposals and North Ayrshire residents are encouraged to have their say on the proposed changes which are likely to see constituency boundaries redrawn for the UK parliamentary elections.

North Ayrshire returning officer Elma Murray is urging people to have their say on the proposals.

Ms Murray said: ‘I think this consultation is particularly important for our residents who are currently part of the North Ayrshire and Arran constituency but will find themselves part of the proposed Renfrewshire West constituency.

‘I will be making the case to the Boundary Commission that the Ayrshire towns and villages must be represented in the name of the constituency, perhaps Renfrewshire West and North Cunninghame. I strongly believe that the name of the constituency must be one which the voters can relate to and the proposed name does not achieve that. I hope residents take the time to visit the Boundary Commission’s website to offer their views.’

You can view and comment on the Boundary Commission proposals online at www.bcs2018. org.uk/ and the consultation will run until Monday December 11.

Arrangements are also being made to display the proposals in North Ayrshire libraries.