A LOCAL Poll on Christchurch joining with Bournemouth and Poole will go ahead, councillors have ruled.

At an extraordinary meeting of the borough council on Thursday, members voted by 15 to nine to proceed with the postal referendum asking residents whether they approve of the Future Dorset plans, which would see a new unitary authority formed to govern the three towns.

The poll, which will cost £60,000, will be non-binding and will take the form of a postal ballot of residents on the register of electors.

Council leader David Flagg said: "I have thought long and hard regarding the commitment of funds to this referendum.

"It is such a major decision Christchurch residents should have the final say."

The council originally voted for a poll in March, but it was deferred due to delays in the Government responding to the Future Dorset plan.

When the results are collected the council will meet to decide on a submission to the Government by January 8.