CHRISTCHURCH MP Sir Christopher Chope has claimed residents in the town have a "well-established" and "well-founded" loathing towards the way Bournemouth council behaves.

In a speech lasting more than 20 minutes during a debate on the Future Governance of Christchurch Council, Sir Christopher did not hold back in voicing his frustrations and concerns around the process that is set to see the borough merge with Bournemouth and Poole councils.

During his address in Parliament's Westminster Hall, the veteran MP covered a wide-range of subjects including his view on Bournemouth Borough Council's track record with major projects.

Sir Christopher said: "Over recent years, my constituents have watched Bournemouth with dismay – from the safety of the other side of the River Stour – as they have seen one failed project after another: the IMAX cinema, the surf reef and the £395,000 pay-off for the last chief executive.

"I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that there is a well-established and, I think, well-founded loathing by many Christchurch citizens of the way in which Bournemouth Council behaves."

He also reaffirmed his view that the will of the majority of Christchurch's residents and elected representatives is being ignored by the Government.

The Conservative politician went on to highlight the issue of council tax harmonisation discussions, which have taken place at meetings of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole joint committee, and fears over a diminished democratic representation on the new authority.

Sir Christopher added: "In the proposals that are being considered, the number of councillors would fall to about 10 or 11 (from 21 borough councillors), which would be a significant diminution of democratic representation of the people of Christchurch. That means that Christchurch people would have much less influence in the future.

"The fear and loathing I have spoken about is coupled with the fact that it is well-known that Bournemouth Borough Council is keen to take advantage of the fact that Christchurch has a lot of land in the green belt."

Rishi Sunak MP, parliament under-secretary for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, responded in the debate and he started by admitting "some trepidation" given Sir Christopher's long and distinguished experience in the House of Commons and also due to his former ministerial position with responsibilities for local government.

However, Mr Sunak was clear that his and the Government's view on proposed governance changes differed from the Christchurch representatives.

Mr Sunak said: "The Government’s aim is to enable the people of Christchurch to have as good a deal as possible with their local services.

"Those services are mainly the responsibility of Dorset County Council, but Christchurch Borough Council is responsible for about 20% of them. Those services are important to the local people.

"If Parliament approves the draft legislation that we have laid before it, it will provide the people of Christchurch with more sustainable local governance and safeguard the delivery of local services."