Parish councillors in Pool-in-Wharfedale have told the Boundary Commission they are disgusted with the prospect of the village being moved into a ward with Cookridge.

They have said that they will continue to put pressure on the commission to keep Pool in the same ward as Otley because the village has no affinity with Cookridge.

The commission has received proposals from all three political parties in Leeds, but because of Labour's dominance, the majority proposal is Labour's bid to affiliate Pool, Bramhope and Arthington with Cookridge.

Parish councillors have written to the commission with their own proposals and opinions on the possibility, but fear the move to Cookridge will go ahead when the changes take place.

Pool Parish Councillor Pat Walker said she thought that because the commission was based hundreds of miles from Leeds, they would simply go on the loudest proposals, which she guessed would be those of the Labour party.

"You have got to bear in mind that the Boundary Commission are people far removed from it all so we have got to make quite a strong case.

"All they want is the figures of how many people are in each area and what changes everyone wants, but we are telling them that putting Pool with Cookridge would be a mistake.

"The changes can't be simply political, they must consider that there are natural boundaries in place in the form of the Chevin, and natural relationships occur."

Coun Walker added that although the commission decision wouldn't come until April next year, the parish council would keep abreast of the situation.

"All we can do is voice our opinions and hope that we can make a loud noise with the commission to let them know how we feel, not just as councillors but as residents.

"This is something that is worked out on paper without any thought for the effects it will have," she said.

Coun Walker also said that people might not realise the effects the changes might have.

"We have always known who our councillors are and we have good relationships with Otley.

"To move Pool to Cookridge, with new contacts and new relationships, it would destroy all the work that is being done locally to enhance community spirit."

Councillor Clive Fox (Con, Otley and Wharfedale) said: "Although there is a problem in the north west part of the city meeting all the criteria as regards numbers and communities when it comes to creating ward boundaries, the Labour and Liberal proposals fell far short of what would be acceptable."

The Boundary Commission will review all the ward boundary proposals submitted to it and come out with their own draft scheme in the New Year.

This will be followed by a six week consultation period leading to the publication of a final set of proposals next summer.

The 2004 city council elections when the whole council will be up for re-election will then be fought on the new boundaries.