UNCERTAINTY has clouded over whether Christchurch council is going to continue the challenge against the proposed merger with Bournemouth and Poole despite potential for the final approval to come in the next few days.

Officially the authority is weighing up its options regarding the judicial review after receiving a response from Communities Secretary James Brokenshire.

However, councillors have not met since this letter was received earlier this week to discuss the next move and no meetings have been scheduled.

The prospect of a failed legal challenge could see Christchurch Borough Council paying out hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Councillor Colin Bungey, who is opposed to the merger, said it was his understanding that the council already had a mandate to continue on the legal route without consulting members.

"In my opinion we have to continue the fight," he said.

"I have only spoken to two Christchurch residents in the borough who think we should stop challenge it. The rest are telling us to carry on and that is what we should do."

The well-reported divisions between Christchurch's Conservative group have grown as the legal challenge has progressed.

Councillor Trevor Watts, who favours the plan to join Bournemouth and Poole councils, said the legal challenge was "too little, too late".

"If we are brave enough and stick to our case this could cost Christchurch council hundreds of thousands of pounds with no guarantees we are going to win.

"We are so far behind the curve it is unbelievable.

"In a years time this is going to be set up and there is going to be a bitter taste in a lot of people's mouths towards Christchurch."

Cllr Watts said the merger is needed to maintain and protect vital services, such as adult and social care.

While there is a lack of clarity around the status of the council's attempts to block the merger, a second legal challenge from businessman Alistair Somerville-Ford has been submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Mr Somerville-Ford's arguments focus on the economic analysis that underpins the proposals and he is calling for the Communities Secretary to withdraw consent for the Future Dorset plans.