WINCHESTER civic chiefs say they are close to letting one of their office blocks after it has stood empty for more than a year.

The city council has been marketing Avalon House, the former planning offices in Chesil Street.

The local healthcare trust has been interested in moving its outpatients department from the Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

Leader George Beckett told the Council: “We are at advanced stages with a good quality public employer for a 15-year lease.”

He added that the deal should be confirmed by the end of the month. In recent weeks there have been two more expressions of interest.

A council spokeswoman declined to say who the new tenant may be.