CALLS have been made to stop information leaking to the press from under pressure councillors at Christchurch.

Assurances were called for over the leaks, which have sparked fears over the council's reputation.

During a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, Cllr Sue Spittle asked the leader, Cllr David Flagg what steps he was taking to ensure confidential material is not passed to the media, namely the Daily Echo.

It comes after calls were made recently for an inquiry into leaks at the local authority.

It follows the news that leader Cllr David Flagg had written privately to Communities Secretary Sajid Javid in December, reportedly complaining that members were having difficulty obtaining information from officers in order to prepare an alternative to the Future Dorset merger plan.

Chief executive David McIntosh then called on senior councillors to investigate the leaking of information of emails and other communications by councillors to the media.

On Tuesday, Cllr Spittle asked: "Like many I have been extremely concerned and embarrassed about the behaviour and comments expressed by unknown councillors that have been reported in the press.

"Recently even your dialogue between a senior officer on LGR became public knowledge.

"This was followed by a report in the Daily Echo on an appalling comment expressed by a member regarding this highly respected officer.

"Whilst everyone is entitled to their views does the leader agree it is not acceptable to make these derogatory thoughtless comments, advise the council whether an apology has been made by councillor concerned, and if not, will he personally ensure this is done, confirm he supports the Chief Executive and his staff and is taking steps to ensure confidential material which could damage this council's reputation is not passed to the media."

Leader Cllr David Flagg responded and said: "I am sure you will agree that I cannot as an individual control the thoughts and actions by individual members and nor would I wish to.

"People are entitled to their opinion, as you say. What I can do is respond quickly when views are expressed that I consider do not reflect mine or the council's."

He repeated his support for the Chief Executive and officers, and said: "I will be raising the issue of confidentiality with members outside of this meeting and emphasising the impact inappropriate actions have on the reputation of this council."