A former regional daily features editor is backing a campaign to stop “alarming” planned boundary changes from going ahead.

Janis Blower, left, retired from the Shields Gazette after 44 years with the newspaper last year.

Now she is back in the news again after criticising proposals which would see certain wards in Jarrow moved to fall under South Shields, and vice versa.

A petition is currently being circulated opposing the changes and Janis has told the Gazette of her “alarm” at the plans.

She said: “It is disappointing, even alarming, to see how the proposed new boundaries show no knowledge or understanding of the historical and the social cohesion of the areas they cut through.

“It’s ludicrous, for example, that as old an area of High Shields – its name derived from the old High Staithes, therefore integral to our history of mining and shipping coal – should be carved up and a greater part of it along with Laygate, deposited in Jarrow.

“You are talking about communities which, over the centuries, have shaped the town we know today. Tyne Dock is another.”

People who would like to sign the petition are advised to contact South Shields Town Hall on 0191 427 7000 or email to [email protected].