READERS have reacted badly to proposals for a major shake-up of Cumbria's parliamentary constituency boundaries.

Among proposals the suggested rejig of borders would see Windermere and Ambleside, currently in Westmorland and Lonsdale, become part of a 'Copeland and the Western Lakes' constituency.

Kendal would fall into a 'Westmorland and Eden' constituency also encompassing Penrith, while Carnforth would move from Morecambe and Lunesdale into the new 'Morecambe and South Lakeland' area.

And Grange would move from Westmorland and Lonsdale into the Barrow and Furness constituency, which already exists under that name.

Bob Blake said: "Did the person drawing the lines across Morecambe Bay have a sneezing fit? In fact why have lines across the water at all? Are fish getting the vote?"

nosensenononsense said: "The persons are Ordanance Survey and there'll be an explanation in their 'Boundary-line, User guide and technical sheet'. (pages 34-36 The Coastline and associated items).

"As it's land for part of the day, the fish are only temporary residents and won't be registered to vote."

Peter Thornton said: "Trudy Harrison is going to need a helicopter."

Dalton lad said: "Won't affect voting at all.The voters round here float from party to party."

Periodic Mabel said: "The Boundary Commission's maps don't show contour lines then?"

The Killer Pike said: "Seems a bit daft putting the Windermere area in with the coast when it has much more to do with Kendal on a daily basis."

The suggestions have been put forward by the Boundary Commission for England (BCE), an advisory, non-departmental government body which is sponsored by the Cabinet Office.

The BCE says the aim of the shake-up is to ensure the number of electors in each constituency in the country is more equal.