What price is democracy? Too high, according to Bridport Town Councillors.

Councillors said it was ‘abhorrent’ to be charged for its local elections – a move which they claim could see an end to democracy.

Members of the council’s finance and general purposes committee discussed district council plans to make town council’s pick up the bill for its elections – which could see Bridport Town Council footing election bills of nearly £14,000 – the equivalent of nearly £2 per elector.

There have been so many protests about the move West Dorset District Council has said it will postpone charges until 2019.

Town Council Bob Gillis said when elections were combined for district and town council the cost would be shared.

He said: “But for a contested casual vacancy then we could be liable for the full costs, so potentially it could cost £13,860.”

Cllr Sarah Williams said: “I find this abhorrent.

“I think this will take away from democracy. There will not be elections.

“I think we should make some fairly strong comments and tell them how wrong they are.”

Cllr Martin Ray said it could mean the scenario of councils choosing their own candidates without an election.

He said: “We have 12 out of 18 councillors who are Liberal Democrats – what party do you think will get chosen? Is it fair that we choose somebody, obviously a Liberal Democrat?

“It is not fair at all. We should have an election but then people will say ‘you are spending the council’s money’.

“I know we say democracy is the least efficient form of government of the lot but also the best. It is fundamental.”

Cllr Karl Wallace suggested at local council level party politics should not come into it.

He said: “Perhaps we should all be independent.”

Cllr David Tett said it is only after protests the move was postponed until 2019.

He said: “It is only through our efforts that we have put off the evil day but the most we have got out of it was a stay of execution.”