The end of Montgomeryshire as we know it?

 

The Boundary Commission has drawn its new line across the heart of Montgomeryshire with Welshpool and Llanfair Caereinion voters now expected to share the same MP as people living in Llangollen, Ruthin and Denbigh.

 

Meanwhile, Montgomery and Berriew residents will be represented by an MP covering Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon.

 

The bizarre decision has been described as “hugely disappointing” by Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies (right), whose Berriew home would no longer be in the same ‘zone’ as Welshpool.

 

“I am hugely disappointed,” he said: “But it’s difficult to gripe because we voted for change. The people wanted less politicians, so we fought the General Election saying that we would cut from 650 to 585. The Lib Dems wanted 500. We've actually cut to 600. I can't gripe but it still makes it hard to take.”

 

It means that local issues like the wind farms and pylon plans would have to be fought in future by two MP’s and that Welshpool’s new MP would also have to deal with local issues concerning voters living close to the North Wales coast.

 

The plans are open to public consultation until April 4. The final plans will be put to Parliament in October 2013 with new constituencies expected to be formed in the following political term.

 

Secretary to the Boundary Commission, Ben Whitestone, told BBC News: "People may write in or e-mail us to let us know what they think of the commission's proposals - whether they accept or object - we are keen to hear people's views.

 

"Where people object - particularly where they can supply counter proposals - the commission will give full consideration and may amend its proposals accordingly."