Cheshire West and Chester Council has announced 123 civil parishes will be changed following a major review.

The council, which has examined all 161 parishes over the past few years, said the changes will include new, larger parish councils to streamline current arrangements. Some will also be re-named or have changes to their boundaries.

Chair of the community governance review committee, Cllr Ann Wright, said: ‘It is important that community governance arrangements, where they exist, are effective, accessible and representative of local people.

‘Our aim was to take stock of the current situation and make improvements where necessary.’

The changes will be implemented from 1 April next year in time for the local elections in May 2015.