AN ELECTORAL WARD that covers part of Risca could be merged with the one that covers Crosskeys under new draft proposals.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales’ review of councillors in Caerphilly county and the areas they cover proposed the number of members be reduced from 73 to 70.

But as a result the two-councillor Risca West area and single-councillor Crosskeys ward could be merged into a new three councillor ward.

The commission’s proposals, which are currently under consultation, received a mixed reaction from the area’s councillors.

The commission found people in Crosskeys were under-represented compared to the rest of the county - with 2,536 electors per councillor - and argued the change would bring the number of electors per councillor in the area closer to the county’s average.

The new Risca West and Crosskeys ward would have 2,185 electors per councillor.

Crosskeys councillor Michael Gray said he was surprised by the idea, as he thought the area could have two councillors rather than one.

He said: “I’m feeling as a ward we should retain our identity rather than join with Risca West.”

Risca West councillor Phyl Griffiths said people may be upset at the merger, as Crosskeys had always had its own identity.

However Cllr Dave Rees, who also serves Risca West, said the move could help provide a better service from councillors for people in the area, with three covering the whole new ward and it be something he would support if that was the case.

Under the proposals, the Cefn Fforest and Pengam wards, which have two councillors in each area, would be combined into a three councillor ward.

Residents of Caerphilly county can respond to the proposals by writing to The Secretary, Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales, Caradog House, 1-6 St Andrews Place, Cardiff CF10 3BE by March 22.