A petition set up by Dudley North MP Ian Austin has had the backing of almost 1,500 residents after plans to lump half the town centre in to a Sandwell constituency were released. 

Under the Boundary Commission’s proposals, the St Thomas’s Ward (which covers areas like Kates Hill, the Buffery, Sledmere, Blowers Green, Oakham and parts of the town centre) would be mixed with seven Sandwell wards to form a constituency stretching all the way to Edgbaston.

It would also see Dudley’s historic town centre split in two, and put the town centre church of St Thomas's in a different constituency from the ward that carries its name. 
 
A petition to object these plans has been widely shared on social media and gained the support of almost 1,500 residents. Mr Austin said:

“I’ve had countless residents, businesses and community groups contact me since the proposals were released to say they are appalled at these plans. They completely ignore the historical, geographical and community ties of our town and I think it is completely unacceptable.

“The thought that people could have to travel across Sandwell to the edge of Birmingham to see their ‘local’ MP is laughable. I’m urging everyone to sign the petition to keep Dudley united.”

Anyone wishing to view the petition can do so by clicking here.