WINCHESTER City Football Club hopes to expand its role as a social hub for the local community.

The club has written to residents in the Abbotts Barton area to offer the clubhouse as a local venue.

Director John Airey said the feedback has been positive with more than 100 in favour and only three against. The clubhouse at the Denplan Ground is currently used as a nursery during the day but Mr Airey thinks it should have a wider role.

Mr Airey said it would have a double benefit, bringing in income for the club and also providing community facilities in the local area.

"It could be a club for the whole of Abbotts Barton, offering things like bingo and music nights, just like any social club."

He said talks were ongoing with the city council over planning issues.