"YOU won't become second class citizens." That's the pledge to the residents of Christchurch from the new chief executive of the borough council.

David McIntosh, who has stepped in the dual role of chief executive and town clerk at Christchurch and East Dorset councils, attended his first full council meeting at Christchurch.

He told councillors he was proud to have been appointed and said: "I do consider it an honour and a privilege.

"We are all aware that my appointment is a joint one. We at Christchurch are in an equal partnership with East Dorset. That does not mean that they will come first.

"When I sit here in the chamber and give advice I will do so in the best interests of Christchurch. This is new for all of us."

He added: "On Monday we all expect to hear the details of the Comprehensive Spending Review which will bring the future into sharp focus.

"Further changes will be inevitable given that we are entering into a period of public spending cuts, which will be more severe."

He said this should not detract from meeting the needs of the borough and its residents.

At the meeting, deputy leader Cllr John Lofts was also sworn in as the new leader of the council following Cllr Alan Griffiths' resignation due to personal circumstances.

His deputy leader will be Purewell and Stanpit ward councillor Ray Nottage.

Cllr Lofts said: "I would like to thank members for their support and I look forward to having the support from all members of the council on a continuing basis."