A REDUCTION in the number of Selby councillors has moved a step closer.

Selby District Council asked last summer for the reduction in the overall number of its councillors as a way to cutting long-term costs.

The case has now been referred to the independent Local Government Boundary Commission, which will look at whether or not it is appropriate to make the reductions. Any changes will be implemented in time for the 2015 district council election.

Council leader Mark Crane said: “We’ve made some radical changes to the way staff work to make savings, so I believe it’s right that we also look at the number of councillors too. This isn’t about reducing public representation, this is about being smarter in the way in which we represent our residents.”

A public consultation will take place.