THE new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council will hold its first meeting on May 21.

Elections to the new unitary authority will take place at the beginning of next month, following the merger of the three borough councils at the beginning of the month.

All 76 councillors will be appointed following the votes on May 2 before meeting for the first time three weeks later.

The first full meeting will be held at Bournemouth University with none of the existing council facilities having the capacity to host all members.

Issues such as the appointment of the chairman, leader and cabinet members of the council are expected to be decided at that meeting.

Committees will hold their first meetings at the end of May or in June.