Reporter Laura Hammond found out more.

BELPER is currently part of the West Derbyshire constituency and sitting Tory MP Patrick McLoughlin has represented the area for more than 20 years.

But that is to change at the next General Election, which has to take place by June 3, because the boundaries have been re-drawn and the town will become part of a new Mid-Derbyshire constituency.

The former West Derbyshire area which will still include Matlock and Bakewell, has now been re-named as the Derbyshire Dales. constituency.
The change will mean that Belper joins up with West Hallam, Spondon, and Little Eaton to form Mid-Derbyshire.

West Hallam and Little Eaton were formerly in Erewash and Spondon was in North Derby.

The Boundaries Commission, which determines the areas MPs cover, has decided to bring in the changes to even out the number of voters in each constituency.

Four prospective parliamentary candidiates will be battling at the polls for the new Mid-Derbyshire seat: Pauline Latham, for the Conservatives, Hardyal Dhindsa, for Labour, Sally McIntosh, for the Liberal Democrats, and Jon Smith for the Monster Raving Loony Party.
Mr McLoughlin has said he intends to stand for the new Derbyshire Dales seat.

A spokesman for the Boundaries Commission said: "There was a disparity of more than 10,000 voters between the West Derbyshire constituency and others nearby. This change removes that problem. There are strong links between Belper and the north of Derby. An MP would have no difficulty
moving between different parts of constituency."

There are around 35,000 homes in the new constituency.

For Belper, the changes could mean also mean a change to the political party, representing the town. It has been Conservative since Mr McLoughlin won the West Derbyshire seat in 1986.

But voters from the traditionally Labour areas of Erewash and North Derby could make a difference to the result.

Tory candidate Pauline Latham, who used to be the Mayor of Derby, said: "I think there will be a change for some of the constituents. It will be very confusing, and people will wonder why the change has taken place.

But I think it's important for change and modernisation."
The new constituency covers urban and rural areas, and comes under the jurisdiction of Amber Valley Borough Council, Erewash Borough Council, Derby City Council, and Derbyshire County Council.

Hardyal Dhindsa, standing for Labour, said: "In terms of services, people should not be affected, but they may see changes in the relationship they have with parliament and central government, and with whoever is the successful candidate."

Liberal Democrat Sally McIntosh said: "In an ideal world the new constituency will make a difference to the people living in the area because it will bring people together and show that things can work cross-boundary."

We were unable to contact Monster Raving Loony Party candidate Jon Smith for a comment.