A COUNCILLOR is calling for clearer ward names as draft proposals for new South Hams wards are released.

South Hams councillor for Ivybridge Mike Saltern said that Ivybridge should be split into wards called Ivybridge East Erme and Ivybridge West Erme – as opposed to the Ivybridge East and West currently proposed by the Local Government Boundary Commission of England.

The move to reduce Ivybridge from three wards to two comes after the LGBCE opted to reduce the number of South Hams councillors from 40 to 30 and needed to reaffirm the boundaries.

Cllr Saltern urged a recent meeting of Ivybridge town council to back him in his new suggestion.

Cllr Saltern said: 'I was really pleased the LGBCE accepted our proposal for two wards with two members, using the river Erme as a divider. However calling the wards just Ivybridge East and West for me does not have enough clarity, so I suggest we call them Ivybridge East Erme and West Erme. '

The draft proposals will also see a shake-up in South Brent, which could become a two-member ward and put in with Dean Prior, Diptford, Holne, North Huish, Rattery and West Buckfastleigh.

Ermington and Ugborough are also set to combine for a one-member ward, but the new Ivybridge Eastern End development, which falls in Ugborough parish, is set to be incorporated into Ivybridge East.

The full list of draft proposals is available to see at http://consultation.lgbce.org.uk">http://consultation.lgbce.org.uk. Locals have until November 11 to submit their comments.