IN effect Christchurch had already voted in favour of the merger with Poole and Bournemouth in the general election of 2017 by helping to elect a government that has left local authorities in a parlous financial state and making this reorganisation inevitable.

If only the people of Christchurch could link the effect of national political decisions on the current local situation we might be able to have a more rational debate.

It’s not about sovereignty. It is sadly all about money.

JULIAN SPURR

Fairfield, Christchurch