BACKBENCH members of Christchurch Council say they have been "kept in the dark" over plans to merge Bournemouth.

It follows a chaotic full council meeting where more questions were asked of council leader Ray Nottage over the potential reorganisation of councils across Dorset.

They were posed by Independent Colin Bungey, Ukip member Janet Abbott and Conservative members David Jones, Denise Jones and Lesley Dedman.

They included questions on the options, statements made in Parliament, the future arrangements should merger go ahead and issues about a proposed town council.

A motion proposed by Cllr David Jones was also withdrawn, although an explanation was not allowed to be heard in council.

Cllr Jones asked to explain why the motion was first brought, but was interrupted by Cllr Andy Barfield, because 'enough time had been wasted'.

The motion called for confirmation that all members would receive a report on outcome of the consultation as soon as it became available to chief executives and council leaders.

It called for the same to apply to any business case and asked that it be sent within 12 hours to members.

Speaking after the argumentative meeting, Cllr David Jones said: "I have never, in the eighteen years I have represented my ward on this council, seen such appalling behaviour and intolerance as was demonstrated on Tuesday evening.

"Cllr Dedman and I were publicly accused of time-wasting in bringing our motion. In fact, we were trying to ensure that the council’s will, as expressed in the unanimously-agreed motion of September 20, was not evaded."

He said they had been told the material given to leaders would be a 'draft' report and wanted to ensure they were passed the information and had a chance to comment ahead of a meeting of all the council leaders on December 7.

He added: "Reports asked for by council and by scrutiny have never materialised; members were neither asked to comment on the consultation document or on the questionnaire nor asked to approve not being consulted and, of course, the project originated in what must have been unpublicised meetings between the leaders."

After already redrafting the motion once, Cllr Jones said they were told just before the meeting that the amendment was 'unworkable' and decided to withdraw it on the basis they could explain their decision in council.

Cllr Bungey is bringing a motion of no confidence Cllr Nottage to council next month.