SENIOR councillors in east Dorset are set to approve a £75,000 grant to an “understaffed” town council.

Last month, Wimborne Town Council wrote to East Dorset District Council requesting almost £100,000 after claiming it was financially-disadvantaged compared to other towns.

The issue is due to be considered by the district council’s cabinet on Wednesday (March 6) although they are being recommended to only approved three-quarters of the sum that had been asked for.

The town council asked for special consideration due to its comparatively small precept and Wimborne having fewer income-generating assets that other parts of the rural Dorset council area.

In its case to the district council, it said that it needed to employ two extra members of staff to meet the extra demands local government reorganisation in the county will place on it.

It requested a total of £99,500 from the district council to include an upgrade of its council chamber, IT systems and mower.

The council’s cabinet committee, set up to oversee the transition into the new unitary authority, has recommended that its cabinet exclude requests to fund items which have already been paid for by the town council.

However, it has suggested that a £75,000 grant be approved.