CONTROVERSIAL changes which saw voters in Rock and Ribbesford barred from taking part in electing the MP for Wyre Forest look set to be reversed.

Electorates in the two wards could be adjusting their voting habits after the Boundary Commission for England made a U-turn on a 1994 decision which saw residents being placed in the Leominster constituency.

The move meant frustrated voters could not be helped by the Leominster MP on some issues specific to Wyre Forest.

But the changes, if given the green light by the commission, are unlikely to come into effect until the General Election after next, which could be as late as 2011.

Wyre Forest District Council has given its backing to the commission's findings and the public are now being invited to have their say on the idea, which would affect more than 2,000 voters.

MP for Wyre Forest, Dr Richard Taylor, said: "It is a very logical change. It does mean Wyre Forest will become a little bit bigger but it is absolutely right.

"I have had people telling me they have written to their MP in Leominster about the hospital only to be told he can do nothing about it, because it is against parliamentary rules."

Tory MP Bill Wiggin held three surgeries in Rock last month - but will not be back in the ward for the rest of the year.

But he said: "These areas have actually had more surgeries than any other part of my constituency. I will be sad to lose the constituents there. They have been well looked after!"

The proposals are currently available for inspection at Bewdley Library, Kidderminster Library and the Civic Centre at Stourport.

The closing date of the public consultation is October 31 and representations should be sent to Boundary Commission for England, PO Box 31060, London, SW1V 2FF.