Wimborne, Ferndown and Verwood have town councils and now Christchurch is to have one, following the merger of Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole councils on 1 April.

Daniel Lucas, the current Principal Planning Lawyer for Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, has been appointed as the Town Clerk.

Daniel said, “I am really looking forward to this new challenge. Christchurch is a wonderful town, steeped in history and heritage, and I am very proud to have been appointed to this position.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the ambitions of the new Town Council, which will provide a strong voice for Christchurch residents.”

Daniel Lucas will bring a wealth of experience to the role. He has been working for Christchurch and East Dorset Councils for a year and was previously at Eastleigh Borough, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Havant Borough and Waverley Borough Councils. He has also been an Ombudsman for the Financial Ombudsman Service for three years.

The brand new town council for Christchurch will officially launch on 1 April, with the first election to the new council taking place on 2 May.