CASTLE Point is set to lose Hadleigh Castle following a review of boundary changes.

The Boundary Commission for England yesterday published proposals for new Parliamentary constituency boundaries as it’s its third and final consultation began.

They would see St James and Victoria ward, which comprise 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.

Following its review, the commission said proposals for Castle Point were “almost universally objected to by local residents” . However, the commission found with an electorate of just 64,952, Southend West needed to have its electorate increased.

The review said: “Southend West’s electorate would be too low and, in order to bring it within the permitted range, considerable disruption would be caused to a number of constituencies throughout south Essex.” The commission said “reluctantly therefore, they concluded that no changes should be made to the composition of our initial proposals for Southend West and Castle Point constituencies. “ To ensure Hadleigh’s identity remained however, it was recommended the constituency be renamed Hadleigh and Southend West.

Resident David Hurrell, of Willow Walk, Hadleigh, said: “It’s hugely disappointing after the amount of effort which local people put in to keep Hadleigh and Daws Heath together with Thundersley, Benfleet and Canvey.”

The proposals would see the number of MPs in England cut from 533 to 501.

In Essex, the commission proposes to 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.