I CAN understand the sadness and frustration felt by those who lament the proposed amalgamation of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch local authorities, especially following the referendum of Christchurch residents that indicated strong opposition to the change. I hope they will consider, however, a contrary point of view.

Although I have fond personal associations with Christchurch (my parents first met there when my mother was a teacher and my father involved with radar research at the start of World War II) and although I value the distinctive histories of Poole and Bournemouth, it seems self-evident to me now, living in Branksome, that these three settlements form a large combined urban area that deserves a combined local government structure. In its absence there is a triplication of departments and boards that is not only wasteful, it also creates confusing and unfair variations in service provision.

While the Christchurch poll conveyed a genuine message of reluctance it suffered from the malaise of many referendums: it did not offer a real, practical choice. People were voting against something of which they were understandably suspicious. They weren't able to vote for an alternative because no practical alternative was specified or costed. Whether a similar failing is true of that other, national referendum undertaken in 2016 I leave to others to judge...

When I cycle west to Poole town centre, or the half mile east into Westbourne - and when I drive (prior to its present closure) across Tuckton Bridge - I do not feel as if I am crossing significant borders. In each local authority, however, I sense a lack of investment in people, an alarming extent of poverty, and an impoverishment of community life. I hope all of us across the three towns can together ensure that a new combined local authority makes a positive difference for the people of Christchurch, Poole and Bournemouth. Their proud separate histories should continue but for the sake of all who live here, and especially those most in need of support, I think we should all agree to unite.

REV PHILIP MARTIN

St Aldhelms Road, Poole