OPPOSITION to plans which axe a host of villages from Bromsgrove's boundary have been dismissed.

The Advertiser first revealed how the constituency boundaries could be dramatically reshaped in 2016.

Proposals have since been put to a public consultation and fielded criticism from residents and local councillors.

Plans see Rubery North and South fall into the Northfield constituency, and Cofton – which includes Cofton Hackett and Lickey – become part of Redditch.

District wards Alvechurch Village, Alvechurch South, Barnt Green and Hopwood, Wythall West, Drakes Cross and Hollywood would also join Redditch.

A Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa constituency would then emerge, handing Sajid Javid MP key parts of south Worcestershire.

Bromsgrove’s electorate subsequently increases from 72,042 to 77,216 under the new constituency barriers.

Councillors and residents have opposed the controversial plan, with critics fearing it would split communities and confuse local democracy.

But as final recommendations were published on Monday, no changes have been made - leaving Alvechurch councillor Charlie Hotham disappointed.

He said: “I am very disappointed that it seems we could be leaving Bromsgrove from a boundary point of view.

“Alvechurch has historically been linked with Bromsgrove rather than Redditch. We have far more ties with Bromsgrove.

“The consultation is consultation in name only. It is a consultation on a pre-determined outcome. I hope it is not passed through parliament.”

The plans aim to reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600 and ensure every constituency has between 71,031 and 78,507 electors.

Recommendations and a reportfrom the Boundary Commission have been sent to Government and will be voted on by both Houses of Parliament.

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid said: "In an ideal world I wish my constituency boundaries would remain as they are.

“However it is crucial that we have fairness in our voting system and for this reason, boundaries must be redrawn.

“Whether or not these changes pass through Parliament, I will continue to fight hard for Bromsgrove, in whatever form it takes.”