RESIDENTS of a Bradford suburb are urging the Boundary Commission to rethink plans which would see the area split into two parliamentary constituencies.

Marshfield residents have created a petition against proposals which would see one part of the area in Bradford East and one in Bradford South.

The plans, published in early November by the Boundary Commission, reversed the Commission’s original plan to keep Marshfield within the Bradford East constituency.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A Boundary Commission map showing how Marshfield would be split. The area above the blue line would be in Bradford East, the area below in Bradford SouthA Boundary Commission map showing how Marshfield would be split. The area above the blue line would be in Bradford East, the area below in Bradford South (Image: Boundary Commission for England)

Local campaigners – who are frustrated that their comments do not appear to have had the desired effect – want the area to remain in Bradford East.

Javaid Bostan, who lives in the area, created the petition.

He said: “When we first heard that the Boundary Commission were considering splitting up Marshfield, many in the area approached the Commission to urge them to abandon these plans, but they ignored us.

“The plans to split up Marshfield have been resolutely opposed by community activists and local people at the Boundary Commission’s public hearings and in written submissions.

“Through this, we have been urging the Commission to keep the distinct community of Marshfield within just one parliamentary constituency.

“Instead of listening to local people who actually live in Marshfield and who will be deeply affected by the changes, the Boundary Commission have instead listened to a small minority of people who don’t live here.

“We will not stand by and let our views be ignored so blatantly. We urge the Boundary Commission to revisit their plans and instead keep Marshfield as part of Bradford East, not split us up.”

In response, the Boundary Commission said: "We have been asked by Parliament to undertake a review of constituency boundaries, which will rebalance the number of electors in each constituency.

"These changes will make sure that each MP represents a roughly equal number of electors.

"Over the last month, we have asked members of the public to have their say on our revised constituency map - available to view on our consultation website bcereviews.org.uk.

"Our consultation closes tonight at midnight - it's the last chance to comment.

"Send in your feedback via email or our website - any representations received after the consultation closes  cannot be considered."

The Boundary Commission can be contacted at information@boundarycommissionengland.gov.uk or on 020 7276 1102.