PROPOSALS to deliver a marine conservation area in Dorset are set to be pursued by the new council after Local Government Reorganisation.

The overall decision on designating the area is made by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, however Cllr Mike Greene said he is confident the unitary authority for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will provide a "suitable nudge" towards the move.

Bournemouth councillor Phil Stanley-Watts raised the subject at this week's meeting of the shadow authority.

Cllr Greene, who responded to the question, said: "I would favour a marine conservation zone.

"It is actually DEFRA rather than the local authorities themselves that designates marine conservation zones around the UK's coastlines.

"But given the cooperation between all the proceeding local authorities in Dorset in managing our coastlines and coastal waters in sustainable way as possible, I feel confident that the new council will provide DEFRA with a suitable nudge in the right direction."