IRVINE’S MP Dr Philippa Whitford has hit out at Boundary Commission proposals which would see her seat disappear.
Under the new plans, the  Central  Ayrshire seat would be split, with Irvine and Kilwinning forming part of a new Arran and Cunninghame Seat, alongside Dalry, Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston.
The rest of Dr Whitford’s seat - including Troon and Prestwick - would be part of the new Ayr and Carrick seat.
Dr Whitford told the Times: “I am disappointed that little has changed from the previous proposal that saw Central Ayrshire simply ceasing to exist; with communities divided up between three other constituencies.
“The timing of the proposal is also somewhat bizarre - with increased demands on MPs and Parliament because of Brexit, welfare cuts and the roll out of Universal Credit.
“While the proposed cut in constituencies is to ensure approximately the same number of voters in each, this takes no account of the representation and quality of service an MP can deliver to their constituents.
“Rural Scotland will be particularly hard hit because some of the constituencies are already enormous and the enlarged versions would be very onerous for one individual to cover effectively.”
“The plans as they stand will serve the interests of the Tory Party rather than the interests of the electorate and local communities; the review will simply increase the democratic deficit Scotland faces at Westminster.”
Consultation has opened on the boundary proposals and North Ayrshire residents are encouraged to have their say.
North Ayrshire’s Returning Officer Elma Murray is urging people to have their say on the proposals.
Elma said: “I think this consultation is particularly important for our residents who are currently part of the North Ayrshire and Arran constituency but will find themselves part of the proposed Renfrewshire West constituency.
“I will be making the case to the Boundary Commission that the Ayrshire towns and villages must be represented in the name of the constituency, perhaps Renfrewshire West and North Cunninghame.
‘‘I strongly believe that the name of the constituency must be one which the voters can relate to and the proposed name does not achieve that.
‘‘I hope residents take the time to visit the Boundary Commission’s website to offer their views.’’
You can view and comment on the Boundary Commission proposals online at www.bcs2018.org.uk/ and the consultation will run until 11 December 2017.
Arrangements are also being made to display the proposals in North Ayrshire libraries.