OH! Come on Mr Chope, who are you kidding?

Is it really responsible for an esteemed politician to mislead the electorate he serves by suggesting Christchurch will lose its sovereignty in a Bournemouth-Poole-Christchurch unitary authority? Doesn’t he know that Dorset County Council, the police and fire services spend almost 90 per cent of the council tax that Christchurch collects - leaving only around 10 per cent under the full control of Christchurch councillors. As John McEnroe would say, “You cannot be serious!”

No, Mr Chope. You are wrong.

Christchurch will have significantly more input to a local unitary located almost on its doorstep with many more representatives than it has on Dorset County Council.

But what, I pray, are the alternatives you propose? Rural Dorset it appears are quite pleased to see the back of Christchurch or at least don’t seem to be on bended knee to keep you.

In Hampshire, apparently your preferred solution, you would be dwarfed by the giant communities of Southampton and Portsmouth. And do you really think that being attached to Hampshire County Council in Winchester almost 50 miles away would serve your needs?

It’s time to get real Mr Chope.

Bournemouth and Poole want Christchurch. They see an exciting future for our cherished and varied conurbation. Why not start contributing your undoubted energy to making our conurbation an even more attractive and successful place in which to live, work and play.

CHRISTOPHER JACKSON, Anthonys Avenue, Poole