OUTGOING Portland mayor Coun Chris McGown last night fired a broadside at campaigners wanting to see the town council scrapped.

In the final speech of his term of office, Coun McGown warned that next Monday's controversial poll on the future of Portland Town Council could affect other island projects because it will cost the town council an estimated £5,500 to hold.

He claimed those calling for the axing of the council "continue to live in the past".

In the poll, being held because 15 residents called for it at a stormy annual meeting, Portlanders will be asked: 'Do you wish to have a town council funded by precept?'

The precept - which funds the council - currently costs just over £6 on top of the normal council tax bill for a band C property.

But Coun McGown, who last night handed over the chain of office to Coun Ian Phelps, has hit out at campaigners who believe the council should be scrapped.

He said: "All this came about by the negativity of a few who spread misinformation about what is happening within the Portland Council.

"This is sad when some of these people who had been respected continue to live in the past.

"Now, when this council is ready to act once again for the island, up comes this old sore point in a meaningless bid to stop it. One has to question why."

Coun McGown, who has represented Tophill on the town council since 1994 and conducted 112 duties during the past year, said the authority faced a big 12 months looking to start new schemes through central government funding.

"I am pleased to say Portland Town Council has a majority of pro-active councillors who at last can see the wood from the trees and are willing to work for the future of Portland and fully understand the importance of what faces us," he added.

Coun McGown said highlights of his term included the opening of the Island Volunteers for You project and the launch of the West Weares Project.

He thanked chaplain Anita Thorne, the Portland Sea Cadets and the head boy and girl at Royal Manor School for their work over his term of office.

"I've a great love for Portland and am looking forward to going back to the floor of the town council and being part of formulating the next major step ahead for our island and its people," he added.