The 12-week exercise is being launched by the national body which governs boundary changes in Scotland.

However Barrhead’s local authority, East Renfrewshire Council (ERC), has already voiced its opposition to the plans.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland (LGBCS) is proposing the changes, which also include linking Eaglesham with Newton Mearns.

The affects of the changes would mean a reduction in council wards from six to five, and the number of councillors in the area being reduced from 20 to 18.

A spokesman for the LGBCS said: “There would be two wards with three elected members and three with four councillors.

“Local residents are invited to comment on the proposals — views can be given on an interactive portal. The plans are also available to view at the council offices in Eastwood Park and Barrhead Main Street.” In May, ERC held a special meeting where it outline its opposition to the plans.

ERC rejected the proposals, saying it will cause under representation in the area and the commission has not taken into account the affects of population growth.

The LGBC recommended that Barrhead should be linked with Lochliboside and Uplawmoor, creating one large ward that stretches around Neilston.

However, part of Liboside takes in the communities of Gateside and even some streets in Neilston, and council bosses say they are worried that this would impact Barrhead’s community identity.

A report delivered by ERC’s chief executive Lorraine McMillan to meeting of the full council in May said: “In the response given to LGBC in May 2014, the council stated that East Renfrewshire has an increasing population and there is no reduction in the responsibilities and workload of councillors.

“The LGBC considered the council’s representations but decided to proceed with the proposals for a decrease in councillor numbers.

“There is no good reason to increase the burden on councillors by increasing the average number of electors whom they have to serve.” Under the proposals, the current Barrhead ward would become Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor and would retain its current representation of four councillors.

However Neilston and Newton Mearns North would lose one councillor, and would become a smaller ward as a result.

The review runs until October 22.

More details are available from www.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk and the plans can be viewed at at www.consultation.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk A consultation was held last year for the number of councillors for each council area.

The LGBCS will submit its recommendations for each council area in Scotland to Scottish ministers by next May, and they will be implemented in time for the next council elections in May 2017.