A POSSIBLE referendum on the future of Christchurch could have been compromised already by a privately produced leaflet opposing merger with Bournemouth.

At least that is the view of the Christchurch and East Dorset chief executive, David McIntosh.

In a letter to councillors the leaflet, which has been delivered to thousands of homes across the borough, "leaves a question over the validity of a referendum result should the council now decide to conduct one."

The glossy four page publication headed 'Retain Your Independence' is emblazoned with the logos of both Bournemouth and Christchurch councils - making it appear to be an official document.

The councils have objected and told the man behind it, Alistair Somerville-Ford, to stop distribution and hand over any undelivered copies.

He has now done this said he will not use the logos in any further material - or will seek permission.

Christchurch councillors had initially voted to hold a postal ballot on Thursday but postponed when the general election was called.

Mr McIntosh tells councillors: "The information in the leaflet is extremely biased (and in many places widely inaccurate) in favour of a 'no' vote.

"Indeed that is the clearly stated purpose of it.

"The use of our logo gives the impression that it is either published by the Council or at least endorsed by it.

"If the referendum where now to take place, and the result was that the majority of residents voted “no” then what level of confidence could be attached to it?"

All nine Dorset councils are waiting for decision from the government over whether a local government shake-up will go ahead.

"If this is the case and the council wishes to consider the running of a referendum I will seek to provide you with additional advice at that time but for now you are aware if the potential implications of the distribution of the leaflet by Dr Somerville-Ford," adds Mr McIntosh.

A senior Conservative councillor expressed "grave concern" at the letter.

"Not only can it be alleged that the original consultation was biased and tainted, but others in support of amalgamation have been putting out pro-merger material which Mr McIntosh doesn't seem to have a problem with."

n In a statement to the Echo, Mr McIntosh said: “When the council resolved to hold a referendum many members gave their reason as being a genuine desire to know the views of the people of Christchurch on local government reorganisation. The leaflet published by Dr Alastair Somerville-Ford is the only piece of literature that I am aware of that has been distributed to every household in Christchurch, with the unauthorised use of the council logo, in a clear attempt to influence the outcome of the referendum. Anyone is of course free to express their view but given the rationale behind the decision the hold a referendum in the first place, I have raised my concerns with councillors. I would take the same view with any future literature circulated in this way whichever side of the argument it was on.”