PLANS to split Clydebank in two as part of a major redrawing of Scottish Parliament constituency boundaries are to go before a public inquiry.

Boundaries Scotland says it will hold a local inquiry into proposals that would see Clydebank split in two when it comes to elections, with the southern part marked to join a Dumbarton and Helensburgh constituency and Clydebank North joining a new Bearsden, Milngavie and Clydebank boundary.

The commission agreed to hold a local inquiry in Clydebank due to a large number of responses opposing the division of Clydebank between two constituencies.

Now, the inquiry into the proposals - which have been slammed by MSP Marie McNair - will be held at Clydebank Leisure Centre on Wednesday, December 13 across two sessions.

It will be chaired by Sean Murphy KC, Sheriff Principal of North Strathclyde and will provide an opportunity for councils, elected representatives and local people to put their views forward.

Professor Ailsa Henderson, the chair of Boundaries Scotland, said: “Our consultations are strengthened by local people and organisations contributing their views.

“Whether you support or oppose our provisional proposals for the constituencies in your area we very much want to hear from you.

“Responses are particularly helpful when they include specific suggestions for improvements and if they comply with the legislative rules within which we work.

“Local inquiries are held by us in areas where a local authority has objected to our proposals, where there has been a strong local response or where we feel we want additional information.

“They are an important part of the review process. If we subsequently change our proposals in any area we will consult again in 2024.”

A consultation on the Boundaries Scotland plans was held in May and June.

When the proposals were made public, Ms McNair said: “As someone who has represented the Clydebank area for many years I am very concerned about these proposals.
 
“The proposals are bizarre and disrespectful to the history of our town.

"Clydebank is a distinct community and it would be unacceptable to go ahead with these plans to cut it in half.

"As they currently stand, these proposals would damage long-existing community relationships and harm the ongoing efforts to regenerate Clydebank.
 
“Clydebank residents have tolerated ever-increasing services being taken from our town and transferred to Dumbarton, but the notion that half our town transfer there to is crass and insulting."

Anyone who wishes to speak at the inquiry is invited to register by emailing boundaries.scot@scottishboundaries.gov.uk or telephoning 0131 244 2001.

The Clydebank Leisure Centre meetings will take place on December 13 from 2pm until 4pm and again from 6pm to 8pm.

Information about the local inquiry is being made available in council offices and libraries and is also available on the commission’s website at www.boundaries.scot.