NEW boundary plans to split Clydebank in two have been branded as "bizarre and disrespectful" by the town's MSP.

Marie McNair expressed her concerns about the proposed Scottish Parliamentary boundary changes put forward by Boundaries Scotland recently.

The proposals would see Clydebank cut in half, with the majority of the Clydebank Waterfront ward and Old Kilpatrick moving into the “Dumbarton and Helensburgh” constituency.

Elsewhere, areas such as Dalmuir, Drumry and Whitecrook would remain in the renamed “Bearsden, Milngavie and Clydebank North” constituency.

Boundaries Scotland is welcoming consultations from members of the public concerning the proposals until June 17.

And Ms McNair is urging locals to make their views known and oppose the proposal to break up Clydebank.

She said: “As someone who has represented the Clydebank area for many years I am very concerned about these proposals.

“The proposals are bizarre and disrespectful to the history of our town.

"Clydebank is a distinct community and it would be unacceptable to go ahead with these plans to cut it in half.

"As they currently stand, these proposals would damage long-existing community relationships and harm the ongoing efforts to regenerate Clydebank.

“Clydebank residents have tolerated ever-increasing services being taken from our town and transferred to Dumbarton, but the notion that half our town transfer there as well is crass and insulting.

“I urge residents, community councils and all other local groups to respond to the consultation before June 17 and demand that the proposal to break up Clydebank is revised.”

Boundaries Scotland is an independent, non-political body legally responsible for carrying out reviews of Scottish Parliament boundaries.

According to their website, the reason for the proposed changes is due to the 'population of different areas changing over time' and to ensure an MSP is elected by 'roughly the same number of people.'

When contacted by the Clydebank Post, Boundaries Scotland said: “Our first consultation on our initial proposals runs until June 17 and we are very keen to hear from local people what they think.

All the information is set out on our consultation portal and we hope people, including local representatives, will respond.

"Our proposals aim to ensure each MSP is elected by roughly the same number of people and that’s important for electoral fairness.

"We do care about local ties though and if it’s possible to develop an alternative that meets the legislative requirements we will.

"As the electorate moves over time through change to constituency boundaries, especially in areas of high population, is almost inevitable as the last review reported in 2010.”

You can add your views to the consultation here.