CLYDEBANK’S MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has branded plans to alter the political map of Scotland “bizarre”.

The SNP MP is facing a boundary change to his West Dunbartonshire constituency which could see the inclusion of the North Bearsden area, according to a Boundary Commission for Scotland proposal as part of plans to reduce the number of Scottish MPs from 59 to 53.

Mr Docherty-Hughes said: “For the people of North Bearsden to be suddenly told they are part of West Dunbartonshire is quite simply bizarre and does not reflect the reality of existing communities in either area.

“I am very lucky in West Dunbartonshire to have a single council and a single police authority to work with.

“This has allowed me to build up close relationships with key officials that help me in helping my constituents, and it would be my personal preference to maintain the status quo.”

However, Lord Matthews, deputy chairman of the commission, said he believed the proposals were a “good implementation” of the rules set by Westminster.

He told the BBC: “Today is the start of a process, and we now want to hear the views of the public. We will reflect on responses to the consultation and makes changes if needed where the legislation allows us to do so.

“We will be running a number of public events across the country in the coming weeks and hope that voters will make their views heard.”