REDDITCH is to undergo radical changes to its ward boundaries to improve equality of representation for electors.

Last week, the council embarked on a two-year review of its boundaries which currently see many areas of town under-represented or over-represented by councillors.

Since the last review in 1981, the town's population has soared, leaving some electors in wards like Crabbs Cross hugely under-represented.

Others like Winyates are significantly over-represented.

But council democratic services manager Steve Skinner said the changes would have to be carried out sensitively to prevent political bias.

Mr Skinner said: "We must arrive at greater electoral equality since Redditch has grown hugely since 1981.

"Ward changes always have knock-on effects politically, so we have to make sure things are scrupulously neutral.

"The whole review will have to be supported by all the political parties and if one party was unhappy, we would have to look at things again."

But Liberal Democrat Councillor Nigel Hicks feels the review is a prime opportunity to benefit representation of local communities within the town.

His ideas include creating single member wards for areas with a high Asian population or other parts of town like Winyates Green which have a strong community feel.

Mr Hicks said: "Across the town there are clearly defined communities. Winyates Green, for example, has a thriving residents' association. At the moment this community is tied to Matchborough for local elections but such ties are artificial."

But Mr Skinner said the proposals are at an early stage and it might be hard to favour specific groups in the town because it would have a knock-on effect with boundaries elsewhere.