GREEN and independent councillors in Bournemouth have joined forces to secure stronger representation on the new unitary authority.

Having worked together over the last year, Cllrs Simon Bull (Green) and Kieron Wilson (independent) have agreed to reform the group which had been the main opposition on Bournemouth Council.

Following last week’s elections for the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, they have been joined in their wards by new Green, Cllr Chris Rigby, and independent, Cllr Lisa Northover, who have agreed to join the group.

Being part of a group gives its members a right to seats on committees which they would not have otherwise while its support will be required if any non-Conservative majority coalition is to be formed.

Cllr Bull said the group, named the Bournemouth Group, would represent the interests of people living in their wards with the town likely to make up a smaller proportion of representatives on any alliance than in Christchurch and Poole.

He said: “We are taking part in the discussions and will be represented at the meeting with [chief executive] Graham Farrant later this week.

“We want to make sure our areas are properly represented though and with it likely that the administration will be mostly from Poole and Christchurch we felt this was the best way to do that.”