CHANGES to electoral boundaries in Wiltshire are in the pipeline to shore up inequalities in the voting system.

Problems with the make-up of Wiltshire wards have led to the Boundary Committee proposing sweeping changes to the way they are divided.

In Melksham Without Ward, councillor William Spiers represents 41 per cent more electors than the county average, while Trowbridge East councillor Anthony Moore represents 43 per cent fewer people than average.

The committee proposes to increase the number of councillors from 47 to 49, creating three, two-member divisions in north Wiltshire and one, two-member division in west Wiltshire.

Changes to the Kennet and Salisbury wards are also in the pipeline.

Committee chairman Pamela Gordon said the review was geared towards creating a fairer system for residents.

She said: "The aim is to ensure that as far as possible within each county, each person's vote should have the same value as another's, without disrupting community identities.

"I hope that all those affected by our proposals will tell us what they think about them."

The public consultation period was launched this week and will run until July 21.

All representations will be considered and proposals open to change before final recommendations are passed on to the Electoral Commission.

Copies of the committee's report can be found on www.boundarycommittee.org.uk and anyone wanting to voice their opinions should contact the team leader at Boundary Commission for England, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London, SW1P 2HW.