AN independent Christchurch councillor is urging his Tory colleagues to cross the floor in response to the "injustice" of the council merger approval.

Cllr Colin Bungey has written an email, seen by the Echo, to fellow members who have most strongly opposed the Local Government Reorganisation plan, which was approved by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid last week.

The council is to hold an extraordinary meeting at 6pm on Tuesday next week, March 13, to discuss its official response to the Government's decision.

In the message, Cllr Bungey said: "This would make a strong statement to the Government and Parliament that a major injustice has been done to Christchurch and its residents.

"It would also make a clear statement to our residents and Dorset that you genuinely care for this borough and those that live here, I fear that if left until the 2019 elections those that may then wish to stand as an independent will find that people might not believe them."

It was sent to council leader David Flagg, along with members Janet Abbot, Lesley Dedman, Nick Geary, Peter Hall, Colin Jamieson, David Jones, Denise Jones, John Lofts, Fred Neale and Margaret Phipps. All but two Christchurch councillors are Tories, with two independents.

When approached by the Echo, Cllr Bungey, echoing the comments of the borough's Conservative MP Sir Christopher Chope, said members felt "betrayed" by the Government's decision.

"A lot of people feel totally betrayed by the Secretary of State's decision," he said.

"It is on record that no one would be forced to go into a merger if they didn't want to, the Secretary of State has now gone back on what he said.

"If these councillors truly believe in Christchurch it would make a statement that we don't like being betrayed if they cross the floor and become independents."

Cllr Bungey said he believed councillors across the county were opposed to the merger and "feel they have been bullied into it".

"Some felt Christchurch's stand would save all of them. That now doesn't appear to be happening.

"None of these reorganisations ever make the savings predicted, they always cost more than they say, without even considering the democratic deficit.

"We have seen what sort of say Christchurch will have by looking at the Joint Committee, Bournemouth will have the majority all the time.

"Making a statement may have an effect on Tories nationally."