A REVIEW of local government electoral arrangements has begun.

It will be carried out by the Boundary Committee for England and aims to ensure, where possible, that within each local authority area every councillor represents an equal number of electors.

The reviews will also take into account the identities and interests of local communities in the area.

Recommendations can include changes to the numbers of councillors and boundary positions and the establishment of new wards, and changes to the parish and town council electoral arrangements.

The Committee cannot consider changes to the external boundaries of a district or parish, or create new parishes. However, changes to parish boundaries can be considered.

Proposals for changes can also be made by individuals and organisations and should be submitted in writing to the Committee no later than September 16, 2002 to: The Team Leader (Greater Manchester), Boundary Committee for England, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London SW1P 2HW.

Draft recommendations for consultation should be publicised early next year. Following public consultation on the recommendations, the Committee will make final recommendations in about a year's time. The last review in the Wigan borough was in 1979.