AS POLITICIANS in Westminster come up with ways to cut costs in government, a number of smaller parliamentary seats could be axed.

The new Conservative-Lib Dem coalition is considering plans to reduce the number of MPs from 650 to around 500 as they try to create fewer and more equal-sized constituencies.

No definite plans have been announced and no constituencies have been mentioned by the government, but one of the smallest in London is Leyton and Wanstead, with around 63,000 registered voters.

The Guardian took to the streets of Wanstead and asked residents what would happen if their constituency was axed, and which other areas they thought Wanstead could join with in the future.

Katie Lewis, 31, Redbridge Lane West
I suppose they're all talking about the new politics and trying to shake things up at the moment, aren't they? I don't know if it would change very much. I've never met my MP, I didn't even know that we were still Labour after this election.

Roberta Munroe, 71, Rodney Road
I think it would be a good idea, I think Wanstead should join with Woodford. They're got so much more in common. But the thing is with Wanstead and Leyton don't even touch, they're so different, so why are they together?

Rev John Edwards, 70, former minister at United Reformed Church in Wanstead
I think it all balances out. If Wanstead joined with Woodford then there would never be anything other than Conservative MP. People who vote for another party have said to me, 'I'm not going to bother because I know who's going to win regardless'.

Norman MacKenzie, 79, Halstead Road
I think it works well as it is, because it's a good mix. The areas are quite different but that keeps it balanced I think. If Wanstead joined with Woodford then it would be all the same, like in Churchill's time. I knew the old MP, Harry Cohen, and I've met the new guy a few times at meetings. He's very good I think, he's got experience.

Barrie Durrent, 67, Woodcote Road
I don't think it would make much difference, we live where we live and that's it. It's changed a few times over the years. We were actually quite good friends with the old MP Harry Cohen, until he moved.

Kerry Thompson, 41, Eagle Lane
I think a change would be a good idea, as I'm not really sure about the mix the way it is at the moment. Putting Wanstead with Woodford might be a bit odd because we're London and that's more Essex but they are very similar. It would make sense I think.

Labour's John Cryer held on to Leyton and Wanstead at the general election on May 6, after his former Labour colleague Harry Cohen stood down after two decades representing the borough amid scandal over his expenses.