Dorchester Town Council could run more services after local government reorganisation next year– but only if the district council also transfers some of its assets.

One of the main changes may see the town authority regain control of Dorchester Market. It used to be run by Dorchester Borough Council until the last local government reorganisation in 1974 and is now administered by the district council.

Town councillors say that to be able to take over the weekly Wednesday market and Sunday car boot sales they would need the car park income and fees which goes with it.

“Unless we also have an income the only way we could take on anything extra would be by putting up our share of the council tax and the level of rises we are talking about would be unacceptable to Dorchester residents,” said Town Clerk Adrian Stuart.

The two councils are in talks about which assets and services might be transferred. The list includes toilets and support for local arts and social groups.

Mr Stuart told town council Policy Committee members that the town council view was to consider everything, although he said there were some concerns. These include All Saints Church in High East Street which is sub-let to the County Museum for use as a store.

“We’re concerned because of the state of the building. We would want a substantial dowry if we did take it on,” he said.

He said that public toilets were another area which those negotiating transfers were worried about. He said that the new, larger, council is thought unlikely to want to take on any toilets which are not in a good condition, which could result in further closures.

“Unless we consider it I suspect the only losers would be the people of Dorchester, but I do think, ultimately that some will close.”

Mayor Cllr Susie Hosford said she was worried that Dorchester residents would end up paying for services which people from outside of the town also benefit from, but do not pay for.

“Different ways of funding this has been talked about but there is no mechanism to do it at the moment…we should think about talking to the neighbouring parishes about it,” she said.

Cllr Trevor Jones, who has served on all of the local councils, said he was pessimistic about successfully completing the process in the next 12 months.

“We will only get agreement bit by bit – it will be a messy, long business I suspect.”