A REFERENDUM offering residents the chance to say if they want Christchurch to remain 'sovereign' or merge with Bournemouth and Poole could take place in May.

But it could cost as much as £70,000 and one leading Tory councillor says the move cannot be justified.

Cllr Trevor Watts, chairman of the resources committee, said: "We are already very short of money and I don't think this is a good idea at all."

Councillors will consider the idea of 'Chrexit' at a special meeting on Tuesday evening.

Government ministers are expected on Thursday to announce they are 'minded' to approve the creation of two new unitary councils in Dorset - including combining Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

But even if they do, council leaders in Christchurch say it will not be the end of the story.

Cllr David Jones said a final decision from the government is due in June.

"If we have the referendum in May, we can present the considered views of the people of Christchurch to the minister. Our view has always been that the consultation carried out last year across Dorset was flawed and we intend to put an alternative plan forward."

Six councils - Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole, West Dorset, North Dorset and Weymouth and Portland - have asked the Communities Secretary Sajid Javid to approve their plan.

Christchurch, East Dorset and Purbeck all voted against.

The cost of a postal referendum would be around £50,000. Voters casting a ballot in person would cost £70,000 or more.

Cllr David Flagg, acting leader of the Conservative-controlled council, said: “Before making any representations to the Secretary of State about the possible reorganisation of local government in Dorset it is vital that councillors take into account the wishes of our residents.

"It is important people have their say.

“The consultation carried out last year presented us with a variety of results and by holding a referendum we will understand what truly matters to our residents. Once we have the results we will be able to decide the best way forward with all of the evidence before us.”

Cllr Watts said the public had already spoken in the consultation process last year.

"Reorganisation must happen if we are to protect essential services such as adult social care. Anyone who thinks otherwise is burying their head in the sand."

The likely date for the referendum has yet to be decided as it is not possible for it to be held on the same day as the Dorset County Council elections.