The first review of parish and town councils across Cornwall since the 1970s is now taking place.

The so-called "Community Governance Review" means it is possible to:

• Make changes to parish areas – ie move boundaries between parishes, create new parishes or merge existing parishes.

• Change the number of parish councillors on each council, and introduce or change the parish wards within each council.

• Change the name of a parish council.

It was prompted by the Local Government Boundary Commission recently making changes affecting 29 parishes.

Cornwall Council has already written to all parish, town and city councils in the county and is now waiting to hear back of any changes members would like. Residents of Cornwall can also have their say.

Cornwall councillor Malcolm Brown, chairman of the Electoral Review Panel overseeing the process, said: “The role of parish and town councils has changed significantly since the 1970s with many taking on new powers and responsibilities.

"Therefore, especially following the changes made by the Boundary Commission, now is the perfect time to carry out this review to ensure local government works in the best way possible for our residents.

“The review provides an opportunity for all parish and town councils, communities and local residents to ensure community governance arrangements work effectively for the benefit of all and that boundaries are effective.

“We are starting the process by asking local councils and residents what should change, and of course, what should remain the same.”

People can have their say at cornwall.gov.uk/governancereview until July 17. The council will then consider all submissions before publishing its draft recommendations in November, ready for a 12-week public consultation to get feedback.

Final recommendations will be decided on in June 2020, ready to be in place for the 2021 local council elections.