CAMPAIGNERS are outraged at the prospect of the Castle Point borough losing Hadleigh Castle in the proposed boundary shake-up.

They also believe the “ridiculous changes” could seriously undermine the sense of community, particularly in Hadleigh.

The outrage is at the proposals for reformed parliamentary constituencies by the Boundary Commission. They would see Hadleigh move from Castle Point to Southend West.

The new set-up would also see the Basildon and Billericay boundary changed, with Pitsea joining neighbouring Castle Point. A public consultation is underway, with final proposals due in October 2018.

David Hurrell, 60, of Willow Walk, Hadleigh, wants residents to speak up before it’s too late. He said: “I do not feel I belong to Southend and these changes undermine our sense of community. It muddles up the local council boundaries, and separates Daws Heath from its traditional parish of Thundersley, Daws Heath is a part of Thundersley. “Hadleigh Castle is also taken out of Castle Point, so what will new constituency be called? “This does not make sense.”

Sandra Fredricks, 45, of Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, added: “These changes are ridiculous. How can you take the castle out of Castle Point. It beggars belief. People must make their views clear.”

The proposals would see the number of MPs in England cut from 533 to 501. In Essex, the commission proposes reduce the number of constituencies from 18 to 17. A new Rayleigh and Woodham Ferrers seat would replace Rayleigh and Wickford, with Wickford wards transferring to Basildon and Billericay.

Laindon and Langdon Hills will join South Basildon and East Thurrock. To complete the consultation, visit boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk/2018-review