THE leader of the district council Mike Oborski described as "grossly insulting" any suggestion the council's boundary review proposals had been rushed.

He said: "I dispute that entirely. These proposals were not rushed. They were done professionally by council officers and I reject any criticism."

He said Conservative councillors had had an opportunity to comment on the proposals and make a contribution but had chosen not to do so. "This indicates they're off on another agenda," he added.

He said he had not yet seen the Conservative document but said the council had worked up its suggestions on the basis of retaining the existing number of councillors.

Mr Oborski described the council's proposals as a "realig- nment" but said it would bring some significant changes to rural areas.