CHRISTCHURCH councillors have recommended £421,000 is given towards the funding of the new unitary council.

A report before the resources committee last week, asked members to recommend full council give the money from unallocated reserves

Previously, the council has given £72,320 towards the cost of the merger.

The report also stated that one of the key risks to refusing the request would be that "if sufficient funding is not available the LGR programme may stall and affect the creation of the new BCP Council."

It said the council had sufficient reserves to fund the contribution request.

During the meeting, members discussed the possibility of any extra funding from the government towards the set-up costs.

But despite this being discussed previously, no offer has been forthcoming, the committee heard.

Cllr Colin Bungey, an opponent of merger asked whether the council had any option but to recommend giving the funding.

"I think this is insult to injury. We didn't want this, now we are being asked to fund our own demise. I won't support it. I think its wrong...it is another slap in the face for the residents of Christchurch."

Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Lesley Dedman said: "I will support it. Since we have been forced into it we have to make sure it is funded properly so it has the chance to do the job it it intended to do."

The recommendation will be taken to full council on Tuesday.