FEARS have again been raised that Weymouth will 'lose its identity' as the borough council is set to be swallowed up by a local government shake-up.

The comments came as councils in Dorset start debating proposals that would see a 'super council' for Dorset replacing the smaller district authorities, including Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

A town council is likely to be established in Weymouth with minimal powers.

It is argued the proposals would mitigate against a predicted future crisis in local government finances, and also put Dorset in a better economic position to bid for grants.

But it could mean the end of the borough council and powers being transferred to a centralised bigger authority.

Criticising the proposals, Michel Hooper-Immins said: “I fear that Weymouth – a self-governing borough since the charter of Queen Elizabeth I in 1571 – will lose its unique identity and end up being submerged in a new super council.

“My much loved home town of Weymouth has a long and rich history, which does not deserve to be subsumed into a large anonymous local government area."

He was speaking an the annual dinner of the the Honorary Court Highclere No. 1 Weymouth of the Ancient Order of Foresters, of which he is chief ranger (president). The Honorary Court has a long history in the borough and raises funds for local charities Mr Hooper-Immins, who has raised concerns about Weymouth losing its identity before, was addressing borough mayor Richard Kosior, who was guest of honour at the event, together with mayoress Caroline Churchill.

Former chief ranger, Alderman Andy Hutchings, also criticised the proposals at the event, saying: “Weymouth and Portland must not lose our identity in any merger of local authorities – we will need a strong town council.

“We live in a great borough, I have lived and worked here all my life, becoming a borough councillor for twenty four years, and have lived in the same house for sixty five years.”

A report, jointly authored by the six Dorset chief executives, recommends that members of each council agree that a submission be made to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government requesting that Dorset’s nine councils should be replaced by two new unitary councils – one for Dorset, and one for Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

At the dinner, Cllr Kosior spoke warmly of the importance of the voluntary sector in the borough.

Since becoming mayor, he had seen for himself the huge amount of voluntary work carried out by various organisations in Weymouth and Portland.

He thanked the Honorary Court for its generous support of his Christmas Fund, which gives seasonal help to local people in need.