A SPECIAL service marking the end of Purbeck District Council has taken place in Wareham.

The district council, which was formed in 1974, was replaced by the new unitary Dorset Council on Monday.

Councillors and staff, past and present, as well as residents were invited to the service, held at Priory Church of Lady St Mary on March 29.

The Dean of Salisbury, Canon Nick Papadopulos joined Canon Simon Everett to conduct the service, which looked back of the district council's 45 year lifespan.

Speaking at the event district council chairman Bill Trite said: "In terms of population, Purbeck District Council was created the smallest of the six district and borough councils covering Dorset outside the Bournemouth/Poole conurbation.

"At the risk of inviting retribution, I would venture that it has not only been, generally speaking, pre-eminent among these councils in its management and operations, but also the most welcoming, open and inclusive of its staff and members.

"I thank all councillors and staff – past and present – for their valued contributions to that.

"Our chief executive, Steve Mackenzie, has put the council's success down to mutual support and mutual trust within it. I endorse that, and I would add that much of this mix of competence and congeniality is due to his own influence, the constructive methods of working which he has put into practice, and his kindly but realistic way of dealing with people - all of this over many years."

Cllr Trite also said it was understandable people may feel aggrieved by the council merger.

But he stressed: "We have to make the best of this amalgamation in the interests of those we serve. In delivering services we have to work for improved efficiency which size should offer, and to exploit the scope for wider, better work opportunities for those of our staff who want to stay.

"And following the forthcoming local elections, those who are chosen to represent what we now call the district of Purbeck will have to work more zealously and more determinedly than ever to ensure that the safeguarding of the qualities of this area and the interests of its residents are not submerged, overlooked or forgotten."

Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham, remains the first port of call for local council services.