Eight community councils in the Oban Lorn and the Isles area have agreed to jointly oppose boundary changes which would “sever” existing links between areas.
A consultation has been launched by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland over proposed Argyll and Bute ward boundary changes.
The consultation, which closes on October 22, follows a decision last year to cut the number of Argyll and Bute councillors from 36 to 33.
The proposals within Oban, Lorn and the Isles would involve five community council areas which are currently part of the Oban North and Lorn ward being transferred, all or in part, to the Mid Argyll ward.
Kieron Green, secretary of Oban Community Council, said: “The joint community councils are strongly opposed to these proposals, as not only do they decrease councillor numbers representing the views of local people, they also sever the links between local communities which are reflected in the current ward boundaries.”
The communities directly affected by the transfer – Avich and Kilchrenan, Glenorchy and Innishail, Kilninver and Kilmelford, Luing, and Seil and Easdale – all use and rely on a wide range of council services, health facilities, local businesses, social clubs and transport links located in Oban.
Other areas of the proposed Mid Argyll ward are much closer to Lochgilphead, or even Dunoon, and as such do not share these links with Oban.
It is feared that those representing the new Mid Argyll ward would likely be not as familiar with the needs of local people, as well as being more remote and less able to attend community events and meetings.
Mr Green added: “Public services locally, including doctors surgeries, hospitals, schools, police and social services are all based largely around the current ward boundaries.
“Historically, following boundary changes, the council has generally also changed the boundary for services it provides, and local people fear the consequences if this were to happen in the future.
“Transport links between the areas directly affected and Lochgilphead are poor, with travel times of up to an hour and a half by car, and much longer than this by public transport if it is possible at all.”
The joint community councils will write to the boundary commission, inviting them to visit the area and meet with local people to see the full scale that the proposals would have.