POOLE will be spread between three MPs under changes to Dorset's parliamentary boundaries.

The Boundary Commission has decided to hive off the two Poole wards of Alderney and Branksome East into Bournemouth, while the Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency loses Longham and Stapehill to Christchurch.

Changes will not take place until the election after next, when Bournemouth West will have the words "and Poole East" added, but they have not found favour with residents or an MP.

Annette Brooke, who represents Mid Dorset and North Poole for the Liberal Democrats, said she was "really disappointed" by the number exercise carried out in London to make Bournemouth smaller and Christchurch larger.

"Poole clearly needs more than one MP because of its size. I think this dilutes the fight for issues," she said.

"This has made a massive impact on other constituencies," she said. "It seems a nonsense."

She added: "Alderney residents really wanted to be in Poole constituency. I feel very strongly about Alderney because of low funding for education."

Cllr Tony Trent, who represents Alderney on the Borough of Poole, said: "Since 1997 Alderney has been a key part of a new constituency and residents have felt they mattered.

"These long-awaited improvements will be lost and Alderney will be even more marginalised than before."

Colleague Cllr Lindsay Wilson said: "The Boundary Commission has not listened to residents and has sold Alderney out. I hope residents will take the opportunity to make a final representation to the commission."

Bournemouth East will take on the three currently divided wards of East Cliff and Springbourne, Moordown and Queen's Park and Christchurch loses Three Cross and Potterne to North Dorset.

Further representations on Mid Dorset and North Poole, Christchurch and North Dorset can be made to the Boundary Commission for England, PO Box 31060, London SW1V 2FF until October 29.

First published: Sept 24