A WAR of words has broken out between Christchurch councillors over the fight to resist merging with Bournemouth and Poole councils.

It is the latest twist in the council's opposition to Local Government Reorganisation, with the leader labelling the latest accusations as 'sour grapes'.

It centres on an invitation for Christchurch MP Sir Chris Chope to attend a meeting with a barrister to discuss the council merger.

Former leader Ray Nottage described the situation as "remarkable" and claimed the authority is "a member of Parliament led council".

But Cllr David Flagg, leader of the council, has rebutted Cllr Nottage's claims and said the accusation is a case of "sour grapes".

The leader and deputy leader, Cllr Trish Jamieson, are due to meet with counsel next week for further guidance on whether the authority can contest the decision to merge with Bournemouth and Poole.

Cllr Nottage, who is in support of the merger, said: "Our objective of having a member led council has been subsided by a member of Parliament led council and I cannot recall a discussion or notification being made that the leader was going to invite the member of parliament.

"It is quite remarkable for this to be happening and there are issues about doing it. The brief was explicit, clear and unambiguous. It indicates there are no reasons for a judicial review. What we have here is the MP wishing to take action but getting Christchurch tax payers to pay for it.

"I just do not know what will be discussed and we probably will not know what questions will be asked and it is unlikely we will find out."

Cllr Flagg dismissed the view that the authority was being member led and confirmed Sir Chris had been invited at his request.

"This is just sour grapes from people who wish to merge with Bournemouth and Poole," he said.

"I invited Sir Christopher to assist myself and the deputy leader in terms of the legal requirements. He has a legal background.

"It is my understanding residents of Christchurch have supported and contacted him with a view to his stance to achieve the end goal.

"He is on the side of the residents and councillors of Christchurch who are attempting to protect the will of the people who voted in the referendum."

Members backed plans to continue the fight against the merger at a meeting last week in a split decision - 14 in favour and seven against.