A PROPOSED referendum for Christchurch residents over the planned local government reorganisation will be debated this evening.

The extraordinary full council meeting at Christchurch Civic Offices will see members discuss holding a vote on the Future Dorset proposals.

The Echo incorrectly reported yesterday that the meeting was due to take place on Wednesday evening.

The meeting actually takes place at 6pm tonight.

A referendum was being organised earlier this year after it was approved in March, however it was postponed following the announcement of June's snap general election and delays in the Government's response to Future Dorset.

The vote was due to be a postal ballot.

Last week, Secretary of State Sajid Javid announced he was 'minded to' approve the Future Dorset plan, which would see Christchurch merge with Bournemouth and Poole boroughs into a single unitary authority, with the rest of the county combined into a second unitary authority.

In his statement, Mr Javid invited councils to come forward with alternative proposals.

A consultation period is taking place up until a final decision is made, which is due to be on January 8.