CONCERNED constituents have called for a rethink on the proposed boundary changes in Bicester over fears the town could be split in half.

Kingsmere residents are among those to hit out at the new changes which propose to split the estate in two with each half represented by a different MP.

It comes after the new boundaries were revealed to the public last week in a bid to balance the size of electorates.

Kingsmere residents association co-chairman Graham Brogden said: "As far as we can tell the proposed boundary changes would split Kingsmere in half, which is completely barking mad.

"It goes against all the hard work we do to galvanise our community both within Kingsmere and as part of Bicester town itself.

"None of it makes sense, no detailed thought has been given to how it is going to split up the town and an estate.

"It is a mess."

Under the proposed changes surrounding villages such as Middleton Stoney, Fringford, Launton, Ambrosden and Chesterton would be transferred to the "Henley and Thame" constituency - currently under MP John Howell.

It would also mean that the southern boundary would cut through the Kinsgmere Estate - currently under construction with up to 2,450 homes planned - leaving half under Victoria Prentis' constituency and the other under John Howell.

Mr Brogden added: "We have gone to Victoria Prentis with our concerns and she has agreed to raise them on our behalf.

"Bringing communities together is what MPs are meant to being working towards not splitting them up.

"Kingsmere will lose its identity with half part completely lost as part of Henley and also Grave Hill which is meant to be a big part of Bicester's growth as a major town.

"You would even have students at the new St Edburg's School site split between two MPs which just seems like a dogs dinner."

The revealed proposals are part of the 12-week consultation launched by the commission, which would not take affect until 2020.

Banbury MP Victoria Prentis said: "I was interested to see the proposals for North Oxfordshire, including the split of Bicester and the loss of Launton and Fringford wards to my constituency neighbour, John Howell.

"At the moment, I have one of the largest constituencies, with over 90,000 electors. The average number of electors in constituencies in England is 70,100.

"There is therefore a very strong argument that we must make changes to the current boundaries, particularly given that our area is growing rapidly.

"However, it will be very sad to lose villages which I currently represent, and I do have some specific geographical questions to raise relating to the position of the boundary to the south west of Bicester.

"I intend to look carefully at the detail of the proposals in the coming weeks."

To comment on the changes see bce2018.org.uk