CAMPAIGNERS opposed to Christchurch council being merged with its neighbours may seek a judicial review to challenge the Government's decision.

On Monday, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid approved the Future Dorset plan, which will see Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole councils abolished and replaced with a single unitary body for the conurbation.

Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope, who has been a staunch critic of the merger plan, said the people of Christchurch had been "betrayed".

"It is an affront to democracy, and I don't think anybody is going to kowtow to such a decision," he said.

"Councils, love them or hate them, are democratic institutions, and to abolish them against the express wishes of local people and councillors is a big challenge to democracy.

"It will be taken to the courts and to Parliament.

"I am extremely unhappy about this and not going to allow it to go unchallenged."

The Daily Echo understands that a judicial review may be used to challenge the decision in the courts, and should that fail Mr Sir Christopher has said he plans to rally opposition among MPs.

He said there were good grounds to challenge the decision, as Mr Javid had said approval would not be granted unless there were sufficient evidence of "local consent".

This was before the local referendum late last year which found 84 per cent of Christchurch residents who voted opposed the plan.

"I was promised in Parliament by the Government that no council would be abolished without its consent," said Sir Christopher.

"When we had the indication on November 7 we were told there was insufficient consent when the evidence before the Secretary of State was a survey saying 64 per cent of Christchurch residents supported going in with Bournemouth and Poole.

"We now know the real vote after the local referendum, 84 per cent were against it.

"Then some councillors were in support, after the vote there wasn't a single councillor in favour.

"It seems pretty perverse to say there is now more local consent."

He said the process of disaggregation, by which county council provided services in the borough are separated out to be taken on by the new authority, was proving complex and could also derail the plan.

"They are squabbling with each other like ferrets in a sack in the rural part of the county."

Sir Christopher said: "I am exasperated with the duplicity we have seen in this whole process, with council officers acting against the best interests of their own councils and efforts to frustrate the provision of information.

"I have been in the house for quite a long time now and I can see exactly the way in which the Secretary of States seems to have allowed himself to be manipulated.

Christchurch council, which voted after the referendum to confirm its opposition to the merger, is to hold an extraordinary meeting to decide its next move.

Cllr Trish Jamieson, deputy leader, also said this might involve a legal challenge.

"We are disappointed that the Secretary of State has announced his final decision to approve local government reorganisation in Dorset.

"This decision comes despite Christchurch council putting forward an alternative to the Future Dorset submission and 84 per cent of Christchurch residents who voted in the local poll not supporting the proposal for Christchurch to become part of a unitary council with Bournemouth and Poole councils.

"We will be calling an extraordinary full council meeting to allow us to consider our position moving forward and the opinion of the legal professional as to whether there is any arguable error in law.

"We are committed members of the joint committee and our priority now is to focus on getting the best for the Christchurch residents who elected us to represent them."

The borough is not united however, and several councillors who have previously expressed support for Future Dorset, and abstained in the post-referendum vote, have again reiterated their desire to see the merger take place.

In a joint statement, Cllrs Claire Bath, Bernie Davis,Tavis Fox, Wendy Grace, Vicki Hallam, Ray Nottage, Lisle Smith, Sue Spittle and Trevor Watts said: "We want to put behind us the divisions created by this long-awaited decision and work together with our fellow councillors to ensure a smooth transition of services into the new authority.

"The opportunities the new council creates should be grasped by all Christchurch councillors who now need to work closely with councillors from Bournemouth and Poole to embrace the chance to deliver a future proof council across the conurbation for all residents.

"By working in partnership with our neighbours we can ensure that the things that matter most to us in Christchurch are carried forward into the new structure.

"Now is the time to embrace the opportunities this brings for future generations by ensuring our voice is heard both locally and in central government to protect our heritage, grow our economy and improve our roads and schools, this can only be achieved by working in harmony together.

"Let’s stop the fighting and get on with the business we were elected to do, to get the best deal for the people of Christchurch."