PROPOSALS to change parliamentary boundaries across the country have been announced this week, with Alton set to be taken into a different constituency.

The plans are part of ongoing reforms which would see the current 650 MPs in the House of Commons reduced to 600.

But before any changes come into effect the public can have their say, with final alterations implemented in 2018.

Under the proposals, the shape of East Hampshire is set to change, with Alton moving into the North East Hampshire constituency, currently represented by Conservative Ranil Jayawardena.

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds, who currently represents Alton, said that nothing was set in stone and urged residents to have their say.

“The Boundary Commission’s remit is to make sure constituencies represent the electorate in a fair way, and there are interactions between what is proposed for one part of the area and another,” Mr Hinds said.

“On the commission’s initial proposals, the constituency of East Hampshire would be expanded south to include seven additional wards, but Alton would be represented as part of a re-shaped North East Hampshire constituency.

“We have, of course, only just seen the proposals and there will be various arguments made about how communities fit together and about the interaction of parliamentary and other boundaries. A public consultation starts today. There is more information and details about how to respond, as well as details of public hearings, at bce2018.org.uk.

"It is important to remember that the proposals may change, and also that right now nothing has changed in terms of who represents you in Parliament.”

The proposals would see England change from 533 seats to 501, losing 33 but gaining one as the Isle of Wight will be divided into two seats.

Wales would lose 11 of its 40 seats, leaving it with 29, which is said to be the biggest proportional change across the affected nations. It is mainly because many Welsh constituencies are relatively sparsely populated.

Scotland is set to announce detailed proposals next month and would be left with 53 seats, instead of the current 59. And Northern Ireland will lose one seat, down from 18 to 17.

Mr Jayawardena, MP for North East Hampshire, said he would welcome the opportunity to represent Alton residents - having studied at Alton College.

“Clearly these proposals are at a very early stage, with the Boundary Commission now undertaking a public consultation,” he told the Herald.

“The final recommendations will be decided in 2018 and there are likely to be changes along the way.

“The driving force behind this review is that it’s vitally important all constituencies in Parliament are of the same size. It is also good to see that, by reducing the number of MPs from 650 to 600, we are cutting the cost of politics.”

He added: “That said, if this proposal does come to fruition, it would be a pleasure to represent Alton - a lovely town, with kind people, as I know from having studied at Alton College.”

Looking at southern boundaries, the seat of Meon Valley, currently represented by Conservative George Hollingbery, will disappear and be swallowed up by adjoining constituencies.

Mr Hollingbery said these changes “mean everyone’s vote should carry the same weight in future parliamentary elections”.

“This is clearly in the best interests of democracy, so I welcome it wholeheartedly,” he added.

“Of course, I’m deeply disappointed my constituency will cease to exist because I very much love representing Meon Valley: a place full of great people, places, businesses and natural beauty tucked into the heart of Hampshire.

“But, until the change, I promise I will continue to do the best I can to represent residents and to help them with their problems and issues.”

To comment on the proposals, visit bce2018.org.uk.