BOURNEMOUTH’S mayor has accused Dorset's police commissioner of "scaremongering" in the latest instalment of their public row.

The dispute between Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill and Cllr John Adams erupted after the latter wrote to the Daily Echo last week.

Cllr Adams, who as well as being mayor is chairman of the Dorset Police and Crime Panel, said Mr Underhill had to justify his claims that government cuts could mean the loss of hundreds of frontline staff.

Mr Underhill, who was elected to his position as an Independent, responded to the Conservative mayor by accusing him of being “politically motivated” and displaying a “disturbing and worrying ignorance of the issues”.

At the weekend, however, Cllr Adams wrote a response to Mr Underhill saying he “fundamentally disagrees” with his assertions.

He said: “It is absolutely my role and that of the panel to ensure the Police and Crime Commissioner is running an effective and efficient police force and it is disappointing to hear of your ill-conceived understanding of this.

“Indeed I would go as far to say it is you Mr Underhill who is ignorant of the facts.

“As chairman of the Police and Crime Panel myself and my fellow members are most definitely aware of the issues surrounding the funding of Dorset Police and the truth is you have been irresponsible in scaremongering the public with talk of widespread cuts in frontline officers when there are other options available to you.

“I stand by my views as chairman of the panel as I strongly believe it is in the best interests of the public to know the true picture. This does not make me party political, it is my role.

“Furthermore I do not think it is prudent or indeed responsible to continue these discussions in such a public arena and heartily offer the invitation for us to meet to discuss further. I trust this will be taken up in the true spirit to which it is intentioned.”