‘Sovereignty safe’ says leader of Christchurch council (From Bournemouth Echo)

‘Sovereignty safe’ says leader of Christchurch council

8:00am Monday 8th March 2010 in

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THE leader of Christchurch council has issued the strongest reassurance yet to the borough’s residents that the sovereignty of the council is not under threat.

At a full council meeting, councillors unanimously approved plans to shore up a joint officer structure with East Dorset District Council as well as proceeding with plans to set-up a shared housing service in a bid to cut costs.

But despite reassurances in the past that these moves were not paving the way for a merged authority, councillors called for more clarity for the benefit of the public.

Leader of Christchurch Borough Council Cllr Alan Griffiths said: “Ultimately we want to preserve the sovereignty and the uniqueness of Christchurch.

“This (plan) will not proceed until a business case will come to this council. But we need your support if we are able to continue.

“Nobody could be more determined than I am to retain what we have here. I think it is fantastic that we get stopped in the street by people talking about things that are happening in the borough, and I will ensure this scrutiny remains with this council. That is what people want.”

He added: “I will give you my personal pledge that I will not recommend something to you that I do not believe in.”

Independent councillor Colin Bungey said that although he supported the measures, the council had to be clear about what it was doing to avoid being accused of bringing in changes “by the back door”.

He said: “We have got to get the message out more clearly to the public.”