BOURNEMOUTH Labour party has called for "complete transparency" as plans to cut councils in Dorset from nine to two are progressed.

The Government has now approved the merger of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole under one unitary authority.

Labour campaign officer and former parliamentary candidate Patrick Canavan said: "The ‘behind closed doors’ approach adopted by local councillors has to end.

"There must be complete transparency around the process.

"Ordinary working people in this area will need assurances that this is something that will benefit everyone and improve lives, particularly of those who need the most support."

His comments follow those of Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope and council leader David Flagg, who have criticised borough officers for allegedly not providing financial information related to the merger. This has been strongly denied by Christchurch chief executive David McIntosh.

Mr Canavan said the merger was driven by "the Government’s cuts and their continued programme of austerity" and it should be treated as "a serious attempt to properly fund front line services".