Proposals to divide Malton and Norton look set to be rejected by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE).
North Yorkshire Council had proposed that the towns be split into two new divisions named ‘Malton Norton East’ and ‘Malton Norton West’ ahead of the next council elections in 2027.
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It involved dissecting the historic River Derwent boundary between the towns, with parts of Malton and Norton merged together to create two new council wards.
The proposal was labelled “crazy” by Norton councillor Keane Duncan, who submitted an alternative, cross-party submission for a two-member division that unites Malton and Norton together.
This proposal has now been chosen by the LGBCE for public consultation.
Cllr Keane Duncan said: “I very much welcome the Boundary Commission’s draft proposal.
“This will keep our towns of Malton and Norton together, united and undivided.
“The alternative plan, originally proposed, would have mixed parts of Malton and Norton, breaking up our community, splitting streets and generating confusion.
“The town councils, MP and myself stood together in opposition to this plan, and we’re pleased that our case has been supported by the LGBCE.
“It’s vital now that local people have their say and offer support for the plan to keep our towns together.”
Under the council proposal, Old Malton, Sheepfoot Hill, parts of Old Maltongate and Castlegate would be split from Malton and combined with Norton streets under the council’s draft plan for a new ward called ‘Malton Norton East’.
Meanwhile, Welham Road and nearby streets including Lakeside, Hunters Way and Park Road would combine with Malton streets under the plan for ‘Malton Norton West’.
The boundary line would be drawn down Langton Road, with residents being split between the two wards, which would each elect one councillor.
The Ridings, Millside, St Peter’s Street and St Peter’s Street would go into the West ward, while The Chase, Sutton Street and Wold Street would go into the East ward.
St Nicholas Street would also be split in two, with one side of the street going into the West and the other going into the East.
Cllr Duncan’s alternative plan proposed that Malton and Norton remain united, electing two North Yorkshire councillors across the towns, meaning there is no internal dividing line.
That plan has been chosen by the LGBCE for its public consultation that runs until June, 9.
Cllr Di Keal, Mayor of Norton on Derwent, said: "Norton on Derwent town council supported the Local Government Boundary Commission proposal to create a two member division in Norton and Malton as the most sensible approach to managing local arrangements. The alternative - which proposed splitting streets in Norton in two, with one side of the road in Norton and neighbours across the street in Malton, and including Old Malton in the Norton boundary - made no sense whatsoever.
"Malton and Norton share so many services and facilities with most residents using these in both towns this proposal is the best option and should bring benefits for both communities.
"I would encourage local residents to contribute to the consultation on the proposals that is currently available on the North Yorkshire Council website. This is a major change which will have lasting repercussions in terms of representation and the future of our twin towns."
Cllr Lindsay Burr, North Yorkshire Councillor for Malton said: "I remarked recently that the vertical split first suggested for Malton and Norton was barmy."
"The boundary commission has now published its recommendations, I’m delighted that the recommendations are that Norton and Malton should not be split vertically and we need to respect each community.
"Residents can now have their say on this matter as the consultation process has begun.
"I’m sure residents have much more pressing concerns to worry about than the size of a Cllr’s Division, but it’s still satisfying to know common sense has prevailed."
The plans can be found in full here: www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/north-yorkshire
People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk, and by post: Review Officer (North Yorkshire), LGBCE, 7th Floor, 3 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8YZ.
