THE Parliamentary constituency known as Dudley South could disappear altogether in proposed new boundary changes that would see the number of MPs serving the borough reduced from four to three.

Under the proposed changes, announced by the Boundary Commission for England, Dudley North would be renamed just Dudley and expanded to include Brockmoor and Pensnett which are currently in Dudley South.

While the Stourbridge constituency would be extended northwards to include Netherton, Woodside and St Andrews, and Brierley Hill, all of which are currently fall in Dudley South.

Halesowen and Rowley Regis would be expanded to the west to include Cradley and Wollescote, and Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood. It would also include part of Blackheath and the constituency would simply be called Halesowen.

Meanwhile Warley would be extended to the west to take in Rowley Regis and part of Blackheath and the name of the constituency would be changed to Smethwick and Rowley Regis.

South Staffordshire would also be expanded to include the Dudley South wards of Kingswinford North and Wall Health, Kingswinford South and Wordsley. and the constituency would be renamed Kingswinford and South Staffordshire.

Dudley South MP Mike Wood who has held his seat since 2015, said of the proposals: "It's hugely disappointing they've split the constituency that I've really enjoyed representing and will continue to represent until the next election."

He said it was a little early to say whether he would call for a rethink on the proposed changes which he said in some cases would divide some local neighbourhoods but he added: "If we can find a way of avoiding that and keeping these communities together that would be better but any changes have knock on effects elsewhere."

He added: "As a local MP you do become hugely attached to the area you represent but MPs represent people rather than land."

The proposed changes have been drawn up to try to make constituencies more equal in size based on population and a consultation is now underway for people to have their say.

Dudley North MP Marco Longhi said he was studying the recommendations and assessing the potential impact on communities and he said: "The consultation process last time saw more than 50 per cent of the composition of constituencies change, so the initial proposals are just that and may well change."

Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb said she was pleased to see there only appear to be small changes to the Stourbridge constituency boundaries but she added: "Losing two wards – Cradley and Wollescote and Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood - is disappointing. But I would of course certainly welcome Brierley and Netherton, Woodside and St Andrews becoming part of the constituency, should this be the final decision.

"It is really important to say these proposed boundary changes are just that - proposals and are subject to consultation.

"A final decision is not due until 2023. Until then, I am honoured to represent this constituency and I will continue to deliver my priorities of jobs, investment and greenbelt protection in all corners of it."

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris said he was also studying the proposals carefully and the impact they would have on Halesowen and Rowley Regis and he added: "Obviously I’m disappointed it will involve changes to the current seat, but I understand that achieving equal sized constituencies is a complex and difficult task.

"I am pleased to see these initial proposals will keep Halesowen together, reflecting local community ties, and I will continue to monitor these proposals as they are developed. In the meantime, I’ll continue to work hard on behalf of everyone across Halesowen and Rowley Regis."

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson said he was aware of the proposal to amend constituency boundaries but added: "My focus right now is representing my constituents in South Staffordshire and making sure I deliver the very best for them."

To have your say on the proposed changes go online to https://www.bcereviews.org.uk. The closing date for the consultation is August 2.