Campaigners are fighting to stop Woodside becoming a part of the St Albans constituency after “crazy” plans to move it from Watford were revealed last week.  

The ward in North Watford would be one of three sacrificed if the Boundary Commission’s proposals to redraw the electoral borders are approved.

Other changes include Watford gaining the South Oxhey ward, as well as parts of Carpenders Park, and Oxhey Hall and Hayling from South West Hertfordshire, whole losing Leavesden, Abbots Langley and Bedmond, and Woodside to St Albans.

However working under the slogan “Woodside is Watford”, residents in the area are collecting signatures for a petition opposing the breakup of the Watford council area.

Cllr Glen Saffery, who represents the Woodside ward, said: "This is crazy. Every one of the Watford borough wards should be in the Watford constituency.

“Woodside has no attachment or link to St Albans, which is miles away. It means a constituency that stretches from the junction 19 of the M25 to the edge of Hatfield. That's plain stupid."

His views were echoed by fellow Cllr Tim Williams, who added: "All of Watford's wards have always been in the Watford seat.

“To have one ward of Watford represented by an MP for St Albans, who will clearly have to look after St Albans residents and St Albans council interests first, will mean Watford and Woodside residents will only get a second best deal. It's a stupid numbers game."

The group pointed out that, if the plans do go ahead, whoever is elected the new Watford mayor next May would have the difficult task of dealing with two MPs.

As well as seeking public backing, the campaign group is also calling on Watford MP Richard Harrington to oppose the plans if they come down to a parliamentary vote.

Mr Harrington spoke favourably on the proposals when they were announced last week but urged people to air their views by responding to a public consultation open for the next seven weeks.

The new boundaries have been drawn up in an attempt to reduce the total number of MPs from 650 to 600.

It is currently unclear whether the House of Commons will support the plans after the last set of boundary proposals were rejected in 2013.

But if they do, the changes will take effect in 2022 – the scheduled date of the next general election.

Residents are being urged to sign the petition online at www.watfordlibdems.org/woodside_is_watford and object to the Boundary Commission’s proposals at www.bce2018.org.uk