A NEW plan to keep Dorset's two tier council has been put forward by Christchurch council as an alternative to joining with Bournemouth and Poole.

The latest scheme from the local authority, can 'match the savings of the Future Dorset scheme' they oppose, they claim.

The draft recommendation to the secretary of state, which follows last weeks referendum vote, will be discussed by members at a full council meeting on January 2.

The 29-page document raises concerns over the Future Dorset submission and questions the reliability of the Opinion Research Consultation (ORS) from 2016 after the results of the borough's referendum.

Last week's poll result had 84 per cent of voters opposed to the merger with Bournemouth and Poole, compared to 64 per cent in the ORS survey.

The council claims there is "greater strength" in delivering a mixed economy of service delivery.

This would see a single unitary authority for Bournemouth and Poole, an extension of the Tricuro approach for all adult services, a comprehensive combined Dorset authority and developing shared service collaborations for all other services.

The report claims these measures would deliver potential savings of £29.9m, which match the Future Dorset proposal.

Cllr David Jones, who is actively campaigned against the merger, said: "The policy of the borough council was laid out in December 2016 and we said "no change" was the best option for the borough council.

"We do all know that Bournemouth and Poole wish to work closely together and obviously they are very keen on the establishment of a unitary council.

"However, the borough council still believe that a two-tier structure delivering services as close as possible to the consumer of those services is the most appropriate modal for a rural council such as Dorset, including Christchurch.

"Bournemouth and Poole as we have been told would make quite a sizeable unitary authority and we would suggest that if that is there wish then it should be pursued.

"Theresa May said she is sure DCLG will deliver the best result for the people of Dorset. Perhaps she thinks that can be offered with Christchurch working with other rural authorities in a two-tier system."

The Daily Echo understands the Christchurch Conservative group is due to meet next week to discuss the draft recommendation and agree a position on the issue.