CHESHIRE West and Chester Council elections take place on Thursday, May 5.

For the first time the 253,470 electors in the borough will be voting in 46 wards created by Boundary Commission changes.

A total of 231 candidates will be contesting 75 seats – an increase from the present 72.

Of the 46 new wards – an increase of 22 – five will have three members, 19 two members and 22 will have one councillor.

Under the new arrangements each elected member will represent an average 3,418 voters.

CWaC Chief Executive Steve Robinson, borough returning officer, said: “The new ward map of Cheshire West has resulted in major changes to ward structures, particularly in city and town centres, and many will have new names.

“However, we believe it will only be known whether or not the boundary changes affect the political complexion of the council, after the election results are declared.”

A Boundary Commission review followed the 2009 local government re-organisation and the increase in wards reflects the feeling that existing boundaries did not accurately reflect the population sizes.

The present make-up of the Council is 55 Conservatives, 13 Labour and 4 Liberal Democrats.

Further information about the boundary changes, including a map of the new wards, can be found at the Boundary Commission website.