CHANGES are in store for mid Cheshire's parishes after a historic review of boundaries and councils.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) has spent two years looking at the 161 civil parishes across west Cheshire, some of which have not altered for more than 100 years.

A total of 123 will change as a result of the review.

Clr Ann Wright, CWAC's community governance review committee chairman, said: “This major piece of work uncovered a huge diversity in the governance arrangements in place across our parishes and both councillors and officers worked hard on this very detailed and definitive project.

“It is important that community governance arrangements, where they exist, are effective, accessible and representative of local people.

“Our aim was to take stock of the current situation and make improvements where necessary."

The separate parish councils for Delamere and Oakmere will be amalgamated to form a single Delamere and Oakmere Parish Council, with a ward and an equal number of councillors for each.

Stanthorne and Wimboldsley parishes will also be merged to form a single parish, although the area will not have a parish council.

Cuddington Parish Council will be made up of the three wards Cuddington, Sandiway and Delamere Park, with four councillors for Cuddington and Sandiway and two for Delamere Park, and some boundary changes.

Boundary changes are also being made to the parishes of Acton Bridge, Anderton and Marbury, Barnton, Crowton, Davenham, Dutton, Hartford, Kingsley, Lach Dennis, Little Budworth, Little Leigh, Lostock Gralam, Norley, Rudheath and Weaverham.

Clr Wright said extensive consultation had been carried out as part of the review.

“There is increasing interest from residents in the work of local government and it is important that the right mechanisms are in place for them to influence and control what is happening in their communities," she added.

"Parish councils can help support this."

Parish councils have powers to provide a range of services such as allotments, playgrounds, village halls, public toilets and cemeteries.

Changes will be brought into effect on April 1 ready for the local elections in May.