COUNCILLORS in Machynlleth and Llanidloes have expressed sadness at the proposed disappearance of the Montgomeryshire constituency, but welcomed plans which see the two towns move into different constituencies under revised proposals by the Boundary Commission.

The new set of proposals for Westminster constituencies, released on Tuesday, show the new Ceredigion and North Pembrokeshire constituency is proposed to take in the Machynlleth, Llanbrynmair, and Glantwymyn wards, while dropping the electoral wards of Llanidloes and Blaen Hafren - which were included in the initial proposals released last September.

The Boundary Commission said it had received objections during the initial consultation period, and has listened to feedback in drawing up the new proposals.

With Machynlleth now set to be part of the new-look Ceredigion constituency, Llanidloes would take its place as the western-most town in the new Brecon, Radnor and Montgomery constituency.

Llanidloes councillor Gareth Morgan said: “I am very sad that the Montgomeryshire constituency is to disappear.

“This ignores the true value of a traditionally close community with historic and cultural connections and associations that go back over countless decades.

“This is all being done in order that all constituencies fit into an arithmetical calculation.

“However, putting that argument aside, there is no doubt that Llanidloes and other parts of Montgomeryshire will have very much more in common with Brecon and Radnoshire rather than Ceredigion.

“It is primarily a matter of their individual culture and traditions and industrial activity.”

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