MEMBERS of the public and the press were excluded from a council meeting discussing the latest development on local government reorganisation.

A key debate due to be held at Christchurch council to discuss the latest findings from outside counsel and decide on a way forward was held in private.

It is understood the council could be seeking more legal advice, which could be a prelude to further legal action to stop the merger process. An announcement was made at the start of the meeting by Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Nick Geary saying that due to legal advice, the item would be taken under the line, at the end of the meeting.

No information on the exclusion was given prior to the council meeting. The agenda still lists the discussion as public, as are documents from counsel detailing their latest opinion.

The council also have not clarified when the decision was made and who took it.

A statement was issued after the meeting, from leader Cllr David Flagg. It said: “The council was discussing additional legal advice from the QC and it was necessary for this item to be taken in private session.

"We will be taking further legal advice and continue to consider options available to us moving forward."

Cllr David Jones withdrew a motion which said there is no legislative statutory authority for Christchurch council to be abolished.

He said: "My seconder and I are not withdrawing it because we regret tabling it or resile from its sentiments or alleged error of fact or disingenuous statement in motion or memorandum.

"Quite simply we have been advised that the council already has the powers to take the action set out in part c."

It is the second time the public and press have been excluded from Christchurch council during a key milestone of local government reorganisation.

In December, the council barred the press and public from Christchurch's referendum count.

Christchurch MP Chris Chope said: "I do not know what the council decided.

"The fact that they withdrew the motion that was down and did not take on the recommendation of the officers suggests that there is more to the advice than originally thought."