IN RECENT weeks SUM's letters pages have been filled with residents expressing their concerns about the future of Stretford's electoral boundaries and the effect any potential changes could have.

In an attempt to set the record straight and dispel some of the myths Messenger is taking a look at the facts.

Why have electoral boundaries come into the spotlight?

The Boundary Commission for England is currently undertaking a review of the constituency boundaries of Greater Manchester, including Trafford. This affects the boundaries for MPs not for Trafford council.

Why are the wards of Longford, Clifford and Gorse Hill being talked about so much?

Trafford council has put forward a proposal to the Boundary Commission suggesting these three wards be moved into a new 'Salford and the Quays' constituency along with wards from Salford. They are also proposing the remainder of Trafford be split into Davyhulme and Altrincham constituencies.

Why do the Conservatives want these changes?

They claim the northern parts of Trafford have much in common with Salford and are considering developments similar to the Salford Quays, while in the south of the borough they claim there is insufficient in common between Trafford and Manchester for a constituency incorporating Wythenshawe to continue.

Trafford currently has three MPs representing Altrincham and Sale West, Wythenshawe and Sale East and Stretford and Urmston.

So will these changes definitely be implemented?

Not necessarily. The Conservative's proposal counters the provisional recommendations of the Boundary Commission, which ultimately suggest the existing boundaries remain the same - a view supported by Trafford's Labour group.

All proposals and submissions are currently being put before a public inquiry looking into constituency boundaries across Greater Manchester, which runs until November 17.

What happens next?

Once the public inquiry is completed, a report of the findings will be put to the Boundary Commission and they can either accept it, reject it or accept parts of it. Once the decision has been made it will be made public - probably around April next year - and people will be invited to consider this decision.

The whole review for Greater Manchester is expected to be completed by summer next year and a report will be put to the Secretary of State who puts it before Parliament.

If a new Salford and the Quays constituency was formed would this affect council tax rates for the wards that moved?

No. The boundaries under consideration are constituency boundaries and do not have any bearing on Trafford as a borough. Council taxes would still be paid to Trafford council, it will not affect who empties the bins, the local education authority or any other service currently provided by the council for residents.