COUNCIL chiefs want to buy a former pub and bulldoze it to make way for a new community centre.

Winchester City Council has bid for the New Queen’s Head in Stanmore Lane which had a price tag of £1m.

Bargate Homes had twice been refused planning permission to demolish the pub and build houses as well as a convenience store.

Now the council wants to move the Carroll Centre, Community Centre and Scout Hut in Somers Close to a new building on the plot.

Proposals for the new “community and leisure hub” include a five-court sports hall and 80-space car park.