RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on proposals that could provide Christchurch neighbourhoods with a voice in the face of merger with Bournemouth and Poole.

Following initial responses and detailed discussions, Christchurch Borough Council has released proposals for three new parish councils.

At present the borough has two parishes in Hurn and Burton.

Based on the proposals that have gone out for public consultation, these authorities could be joined by Christchurch Town Council, Highcliffe and Walkford Neighbourhood Council, and Mudeford and Stanpit Community Council.

The plans, which come as part of the community governance review, also include Burton Parish Council being renamed to Burton and Winkton Parish Council to represent its wider area. It is proposed that Hurn Parish Council remains unchanged.

Residents have until July 20 to have their say on the suggested changes and new parish councils.

Mayor of Christchurch Lesley Dedman, who chaired the community governance review task and finish group, said it was key that as many residents as possible from across Christchurch shared their views.

"This is an important set of proposals for all Christchurch residents," she said.

"The focus of the review is to create more community engagement and improve local democracy. In the face of the council merger, this could provide an opportunity for Christchurch to still have some say on issues that affect residents locally."

The consultation can be accessed on the council's website or in hard copy from a number of locations, including the Civic Offices in Bridge Street and Christchurch Library in High Street.

Following an assessment of the consultation findings, recommendations will be finalised later this year. Full council will then decide whether to make a reorganisation order.

If new parish councils are created, the elections for the first set of councillors, who would not receive an allowance other than certain parish business expenses, will take place in May 2019.

Councillors in Highcliffe organised a meeting with residents to discuss the review and other groups across Christchurch are expected to meet in the coming weeks.

West Highcliffe ward councillor David Jones said: "A parish council may not have much power, but it has a lot of influence.

"Parish councillors are elected in their own right so they have the right to represent residents, which will be a useful way of dealing with the new authority's set up.

"Any parish councillors will give residents local representation, who can fight for them and take on their concerns."

To find out more details about the proposals in the community governance review visit www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/article/426208