NEW electoral divisions for Devon will come into effect at the county elections in May this year — with the new Holsworthy division also being brought into effect.

The ‘Holsworthy Rural Division’ is made up of 30 parishes, which is more than any other division in Devon.

Whilst the division is relatively large in terms of the number of parishes contained within it, the review means each county councillor will represent roughly the same number of voters regardless of where people live in Devon.

Devon County Councillor, Barry Parsons (Conservative), previously showed his support for the new Holsworthy Rural division. He said: “Holsworthy Rural will hold the largest number of parishes within the county post-May election 2017.

“It is important to understand the increased challenges that will pose given the nature of the demographics of the area. My view, however, is that our local communities will work together, as always, in support of one another and continuing to make this ward one of the strongest and resilient of them all.

“In this day and age, ‘togetherness’ is as important as ever and I know from comments that I have received that those joining as well as those continuing to be in the Ward of Holsworthy Rural are delighted with this outcome.”