The decision of the House of Commons and House of Lords to agree to the creation of two
Unitary Councils for the rural and urban parts of Dorset is very good news. After
campaigning on the issue for a long time, Uniting the Conurbation group congratulates the
Councillors and Officers of the three conurbation Councils who have worked to make it
happen.
Our group has always maintained that the two parts of the county of Dorset have different
agendas and priorities and that, within the conurbation, there is much duplication and
unnecessary barriers which inhibit efficient strategic planning and service delivery.
Chairman of the UTC group Alderman Douglas Eyre said “This is the great news we
have wanted to hear and, although we would by no means claim to take credit for
this outcome, I believe it did help and that the members and supporters of the UTC
group have done a good job over a good few years in putting forward the
arguments.
“We strongly believe that there is now a wonderful opportunity for this great
conurbation to recognise and utilise our great assets and to work together to
produce good and efficient service delivery, alongside some real strategies which
address the challenges of the future including traffic, the environment, affordable
housing and the economy whilst preserving and building on the great histories and
cultural traditions of the three towns.
“We sincerely hope that the new Council will grasp this opportunity with the
passion and vision needed, to secure a really sustainable environment for future
generations.”
