A NUMBER of council services in Christchurch have been transferred to the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council as part of the reorganisation of local government.

On April 1, Dorset Council will replace the existing Dorset County Council, and the district and borough councils (Christchurch, East Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck, West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland) will cease to exist.

As part of the work to create the new unitary authority, the county council has been transferring Christchurch-based services to BCP Council, including social care, libraries, community safety, leisure, housing, and registration services.

Dorset Council’s chief executive (designate), Matt Prosser, said: “It’s been a challenge to disband six councils and create one unitary authority in the short amount of time available, but I’m delighted with our progress and want to thank all colleagues and elected councillors for their hard work and commitment.

“This is the right move for Dorset, enabling us to protect frontline services for residents by reducing back office duplication and management overheads. Like many councils across the country, all Dorset councils have faced significant budget pressures over recent years. By moving from six councils to one we can ensure our resources are used where they are needed most, to provide the day-to-day services Dorset residents rely on.

“It has not been an easy process and we’re having to make some difficult decisions, but everyone has really pulled together to make this happen. We hope that residents will see little or no change to services on day one. Bin days will be the same, we’ll continue to maintain roads, our libraries and parks will be open as usual and we’ll still be caring for our most vulnerable people.”

After April 1, Dorset Council will prepare for the local elections on May 2 when residents will be able to vote for the 82 councillors who will represent the new council area.