CIVIC leaders have spoken out against renewed claims that Dursley should be moved to the Cotswold constituency.

The Boundary Commission for England has made the recommendation that Minchinhampton should be moved out of the Stroud constituency after the next General Election to even up electoral representation.

But Minchinhampton Parish Council has restated its claims that Dursley should go instead.

Cllr Roy Nicholas argued that moving Dursley out of Stroud would give the Boundary Commission the electoral balance it sought.

He has written to the commission on behalf of the parish council with a series of arguments against the proposed transfer.

He told last week's parish council meeting: "The electors of Minchinhampton object most strongly to a proposal to transfer part of the parish into the Cotswold constituency."

But the parish council's opposition is unlikely to change the commission's recommendation, due to be approved by Parliament in early 2006.

Last month commission review area manager Gerald Tessier said: "The commission can reconsider but it is unlikely to happen, although I wouldn't rule it out entirely."

Dursley Town Mayor Cllr Tim Frankau told the Gazette the town belonged with Stroud.

"I believe Dursley should remain in the Stroud constituency," he said. "Dursley is closer to Stroud than Cotswold District Council base of Cirencester. Minchinhampton is on the Cirencester road and quite near to the town."

There are currently several regeneration initiatives underway involving Dursley and nearby Cam.

Cllr Frankau added: "We have a number of joint initiatives that are aiming to connect Dursley and Cam more. Of course this involves a lot of joint meetings and if we were in different districts this could cause problems."

Gloucestershire county councillor Geoff Wheeler said Dursley hd no natural affinity with any of the main areas in the Cotswold district.

"The majority of the people I have spoken to believe Dursley is naturally related to the area within Stroud district," added Cllr Wheeler. "Therefore the town is a natural partner to the rest of Cam and surrounding villages and should stay in the Stroud constituency."