A MONTH after the Government's tentative approval of merger plans East Dorset councillors will hold a special meeting to discuss their next move.

The district was one of three, alongside Christchurch and Purbeck, which in January rejected the Future Dorset plan to dissolve the county's existing nine authorities in favour of two new unitaries.

Under the plan East Dorset would be included in the 'rural' unitary, and when making his final decision on January 8 Communities Secretary Sajid Javid can overrule the district's objection.

The extraordinary cabinet meeting takes place on Friday, December 8.

Councillor Simon Tong, cabinet member for transformation, said: "It’s important that the cabinet establishes a clear position on Local Government Reorganisation in Dorset prior to the full council meeting on Monday, December 11.

"This meeting will ensure that we have a strong direction on this important issue moving forward."

The meeting will be held at the Allendale Community Centre in Wimborne at 11am.