New ward boundaries have been suggested as part of plans to reduce councillor numbers while retaining ward identities.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England proposes Elmbridge Council should have 48 councillors in the future, 12 fewer than currently.

It responded to councillors' recommendations and letters from people living in wards which could be drastically changed, and produced a recommendation.

The recommendations outlines 16 three-member wards across the borough instead of the 22 wards in place now.

The largest wards proposed are the southern three of Oxshott and Stoke D'Abernon, Cobham Downside and Weybridge and St George's Hill, down from five at present - St George's Hill, Hersham South, Cobham Fairmile, Cobham and Downside and Oxshott and Stoke D'Abernon.

The wards of Hersham North and Hersham South could become a reduced Hersham Village in the centre of the borough, with three councillors instead of the current six.

Councillor Steve Bax, for Molesey East, said: "Personally, insofar as Molesey is concerned, I am pleasantly surprised to see that the commission felt that an east-west boundary was more favourable than a horizontal split. I think this more in keeping with the history and traditions of the two Molesey villages and will make the most sense to the residents."

An eight-week public consultation begins today and will end on August, 24. It is open to anyone who wants to have their say on new council wards, ward boundaries and ward names.

Max Caller CBE, chairman of the commission, said: "We are publishing proposals for a new pattern of wards across Elmbridge and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.

"Over the next eight weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved.

"Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters. This means that each councillor represents a similar number of people so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same regardless of where you live.

"We also want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities across Elmbridge and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government to local people."

Proposed wards would be Claygate, Cobham and Downside, Esher, Hersham Village, Hinchley Wood and Weston Green, Long Ditton, Molesey East, Molesey West, Oatlands Park and Burwood Park, Oxshott and Stoke D'Abernon, Thames Ditton, Walton Central, Walton North, Walton South, Weybridge Riverside and Weybridge St George's Hill.

The full recommendations and detailed interactive maps are available on the Commission’s website at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and lgbce.org.uk.