NEWTON should fall under election boundaries in Warrington says one response to a new review.

St Helens Council is currently going through a boundary review.

One of the big changes proposed by Labour, which runs St Helens Council. relates to Newton-le-Willows, which currently has two wards, Newton and Earlestown.

From around 1975 to 2003, the town consisted of two electoral wards named Newton-le-Willows East and Newton-le-Willows West.

In their submission to the Boundary Commission, St Helens Labour group has suggested a return to East and West, saying this better reflects the identity of the area.

“Since 2003, the two electoral wards have been named Newton and Earlestown, which, in the opinion of the community, doesn’t fit distinct communities in the town,” Labour’s submission said.

“Earlestown is a much smaller part of Newton-le-Willows, yet, at present, part of Newton High Street, and Newton-le-Willows Sports Club both sit in Earlestown Ward, which residents don’t understand or relate to.”

Liberal Democrat councillor David Smith, who represents Newton, has also urged the Boundary Commission in his submission to rename Newton and Earlestown wards to include Newton-le-Willows.

The issue of identity was a consistent theme in the public’s submission, with calls for Newton-le-Willows to fall under Lancashire a recurring theme.

One resident said Newton and Earlestown should merge into one ward, with five councillors instead of six.

Another said Newton should fall under Warrington, with Earlestown remaining as part of St Helens, arguing that it has “more in common with the town.”

A consultation on the draft recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England will run from February 2 to April 12, 2021.

To view all of the submissions to the warding arrangements consultation, visit: https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/north-west/merseyside/st-helens?fbclid=IwAR1Bd9n4Bn3sw7Cza7KYLZglKskHwtFgIQxjJcF2Is7E7iaa8sjyHcpg6t4