A BOURNEMOUTH councillor has admitted his disappointment at a response to concerns raised about prayers not featuring at meetings.

Since the first meeting of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole shadow authority in June, prayers have not taken place before formal proceedings begin.

Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts hit out at this change and raise the subject at the shadow authority meeting earlier this month.

Responding to the question, Cllr Nicola Greene, member of the shadow executive committee, said: "The Shadow Authority agreed its constitution which does not include provision for prayers.

"The governance task and finish group have many issues to consider in the development of the constitution for the new authority and will look at this element along with issues including, but not limited to, the composition of committees and panels; decision making and procedural elements and arrangements for good governance.

"The task and finish group will report back via the shadow executive and will work with overview and scrutiny as the process develops."

Cllr Stanley-Watts told the Daily Echo he planned to discuss the issue with Rev Ian Terry, team rector of Bournemouth town centre parish.

"I was disappointed with the response received at the meeting," Cllr Stanley-Watts said.

"I'm going to continue to bring this subject. This view of just forgetting about prayers is not good enough.

"The councils merger can bring a lot of positives, but we need to make sure the traditions continue."