An extra councillor is needed on Hertfordshire County Council to deliver “electoral equality to voters”, according to a report.

The Local Government Boundary Commission has recommended to the Government that Hertfordshire’s boundaries are amended and the number of councillors should be increased by one to 78.

Watford Borough Council should remain the same size with 36 members, the independent body has said.

Speaking about the county council recommendations, commission chairman Max Caller said: “The commission considered every piece of evidence it received before finalising these recommendations.

“Across the county, we have sought to balance the views expressed to us by people with the criteria we must apply when we are deciding on new electoral arrangements.

“As such, we believe these recommendations deliver electoral equality for voters as well as reflecting the identities of communities in Hertfordshire.”

Substantial changes are proposed for Stevenage with amendments mooted for the Three Rivers, Dacorum and St Albans areas.

Under the recommendations, the Loudwater area would be merged with the Chorleywood election division rather than Croxley Green as previously proposed.

And the parish of Aldbury would be part of the Tring division rather than Bridgewater ward as previously proposed in Dacorum.

In St Albans, the commission has responded to submissions that the area off New House Park shared closer community ties with St Albans rather than the London Colney area.

As a result, the area would be part of the St Albans East division, while Ragged Hall Lane would be included in the St Stephen’s ward rather than being divided between other areas as put forward last year.

The LGBC is also urging residents and councillors to have their say on its proposals for Watford Borough Council.

The body would like to know voters’ thoughts on where boundaries should be and what residents identify as ‘their local community’.

Mr Caller said: “Your views will make a difference.

“We will carefully consider all evidence that is provided during this phase of the review whoever it is from and whether it applies to the whole of Watford or just a small part of the borough.”

To view the current electoral make-up and to have your say on Watford’s boundaries, visit www.lgbce.org.uk by July 6.