Dumfriesshire representative David Mundell has expressed his strong desire that Annandale and Eskdale should be kept together.
He spoke out at a Boundary Hearing Commission in Glasgow on Thursday to voice his opposition in the strongest possible terms to plans which would see Annan and Eastriggs links with Gretna broken up.
The MP also wants Heathhall and Locharbriggs to remain part of Dumfries with the proposals put forward by the commission meaning they would be split from the rest of the town.
Commenting David Mundell MP said: “If the plans for the new constituencies go ahead, then links between Annandale and Eskdale that stretch back centuries would be gone which would be a massive betrayal of local people.
“It doesn’t make any sense for people in Annan and Eastriggs to have a different MP from people in Gretna and Lockerbie when many local services including health and social care are still delivered at an Annandale and Eskdale level.
“The communities in this region have a huge amount in common on a wide range of issues including close transport links, people working across the region and using the many shops on offer.
“To try and cut these ties is extremely misguided from the Boundary Commission and I made it clear to them at their hearing in Glasgow that these ties must be respected between Annandale and Eskdale.
“It is very important that as many local people as possible make their feelings heard to the commission during this consultation which runs until January 11."
People can make their views known by writing to the Boundary Commission at 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HD or by visiting their website: www.bcomm-scotland.independent.gov.uk