Final plans for new electoral arrangements in Oxfordshire have been submitted to the Government for approval.

The recommendations are the result of a year-long review by the Local Government Commission for England of district boundaries, and will come into effect before local elections in May 2002.

Prof Malcolm Grant, commission chairman, said the review aimed to ensure all votes carried the same value.

Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, is responsible for deciding the outcome of the recommendations.

In addition to name changes, some boundaries have been re-drawn.

In Oxford city, the Commission proposes wards for Barton and Sandhills, and Quarry and Risinghurst.

In South Oxfordshire, it is proposed to split Wheatley ward into two: Forest Hill and Wheatley wards.

In the Vale of White Horse, the Commission recommends modifications to the proposed Abingdon Fitzharris and Abingdon Ock wards.

In Cherwell, the Commission has incorporated proposals made by the district council.

The draft recommendations are available on the Commission's website www.lgce.gov.uk