THE constituency of Ellesmere Port and Neston could be torn apart under proposed boundary changes.

The Boundary Commission began a 12-week public consultation on Tuesday on proposals for redrawing every constituency in England inviting residents to comment on suggested changes.

It could signal the end of the almost 40-year relationship between Ellesmere Port and Neston in favour of more disparate constituencies.

Neston would join the west of Wirral and the rest of Ellesmere Port would be split putting part of the town with Chester and the rest with wards from Wirral South, Weaver Vale and part of the current Halton constituency called Mersey Banks.

Andrew Miller, who has been the Labour MP for Ellesmere Port & Neston since 1992, was intrigued to discover that it would be necessary to cross over into other constituencies in order to reach other parts of Mersey Banks from Ellesmere Port.

He said: “It seems that when drawing the new boundaries, the Boundary Commission failed at the first hurdle – ignoring communities and road links as well as completely missing the fact that the River Mersey would split the new constituency in two, these proposals cross the boundaries of three local councils.

“I believe that an East/West split across the Wirral would produce a far more sensible approach.

“Perhaps the Boundary Commission will provide a hovercraft for whoever is the MP for Mersey Banks!”

The Boundary Commission is required to make a formal report to the Government by October 1, 2013, recommending any changes it believes are appropriate.

Maps and accompanying information will be on public display until December 5 in the council building on Civic Way, Ellesmere Port and Neston Town Hall.

As part of the consultation, a public hearing will take place on October 13 and 14 at the Mollington Banastre Hotel in Chester where residents can make verbal representations to the Boundary Commission.

Steve Robinson, returning officer and chief executive of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “I would encourage residents to pop along to view the information from the Boundary Commission.

“The consultation closes on December 5 so there is plenty of time to comment.”