The chairman of one of the parish councils proposed to merge with others is not in favour of the plans.

Councillor Jim Basker of Bothenhampton and Walditch Parish Council says that the council is "under threat" from Bridport Town Council's proposal to merge with Allington, Bothenhampton and Walditch and Bradpole to create one single council. The proposals will be discussed at the town council's meeting this evening (Tuesday) from 7pm. Join in here.

"Losing the parish council means local people will pay more for less," said Cllr Basker. "It could cost over £200 a year more.

"In addition, villages will be in a very long queue competing for services that benefit the community and future generations, such as play areas and tree planting."

Cllr Basker highlights that a band D household in Bothenhampton and Walditch currently pays £50.52 a year, while the equivalent in Bridport pays £242.76.

However, Cllr Dave Rickard said that "many of the services enjoyed by residents across the area are already provided by Bridport Town Council, but people living in some parts of the town, such as Bothenhampton, have no say in what is provided and are not asked to contribute to the cost of those services".

Cllr Basker argues that "town councillors with less local knowledge, interest and the responsibility for a much wider area would replace existing volunteer parish councillors. Skilled and experienced parish clerks will be offered redundancy" and "local issues risk being pushed to the back of a very long queue and never addressed".

He also states that there hasn't been a proper consultation, with residents having only six weeks to respond.

The proposals are due to be discussed at Bridport Town Council's meeting this evening at 7pm and if approved, the council will respond to Cllr Basker's claims.

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