NANCY Curtis’ letter (Echo 29th August) is based upon the very dangerous fallacy that Bournemouth and Christchurch are in the same financial position.

But the annual Band D council tax in Bournemouth is currently £160 lower than for an equivalent property in Christchurch.

This is largely because Bournemouth Council chose to freeze its council tax in the five years up to 2015/16.

Therefore, if Bournemouth was to raise its council tax to the same as in Christchurch it would generate an extra £9.6 million gross every year and remove any need for structural change.

Christchurch should be left alone as an independent, financially viable, democratic council close to the local people with control over its own destiny.

It is neither necessary nor desirable for it to succumb to a hostile takeover.

Christopher Chope

OBE MP House of Commons, London

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