Divisive plans to ‘move’ Bexleyheath to Woolwich are open for consultation until Monday, March 27.

The Boundary Commission has proposed a new Woolwich constituency which would include four wards from the Erith and Thamesmead constituency and St Michael’s and Lesnes Abbey wards from the London Borough of Bexley.

The proposals also include an Erith and Crayford constituency, which includes four wards from the Erith and Thamesmead constituency, and six wards from the Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency.

The MP for Bexleyheath, David Evennett, objects to the proposals.

He said: “I have objected to the Parliamentary Boundary Commission proposal to place St Michael’s Ward in the new Woolwich constituency, as historically and geographically there are no links between the two areas.

“I have urged the Commission to think again, taking into account the strong community ties St Michael’s Ward has with the towns of Welling and Bexleyheath.

“I am also concerned about plans to split Bexleyheath across three Parliamentary constituencies, and I believe the town of Bexleyheath should be recognised in the name of the new constituency.”

Initial proposals were published on 13 September and then consulted for 12 weeks.

The Boundary Commission say moving wards a new Woolwich seat would help slash the number of London MPs from 73 to 68 by 2020.

In a letter to the Commission, Mr Evennett said: “Bexleyheath is the largest and major town in the London Borough of Bexley, and the initial draft proposals mean it would be split across three parliamentary seats.

“In conclusion, Bexley is formed by a collection of communities, which include Bexleyheath town, Thamesmead town, Erith town and Belvedere village. These are valued by residents across our borough.”

The Boundary Commission said it will try to retain existing constituencies where possible.

Respond to the consultation here