A LAST-ditch bid to lure supermarket giant Waitrose from Chandler's Ford to Eastleigh town centre has been sunk by Eastleigh council's executive cabinet.

Tory leader Councillor Godfrey Olson wanted the authority to draw Waitrose's attention to its Eastleigh Town Strategy aimed at beefing up shopping attractions.

Parts of the town centre could face the bulldozers as civic chiefs aim to provide development capable of accommodating national multiples - including a larger main food superstore able to compete with ranges offered by out-of-town competitors.

Cllr Olson said he believed if Waitrose built in Eastleigh rather than going ahead with its controversial plans for a supermarket at Chandler's Ford it would be a "happy" solution.

Acknowledging that the supermarket giant had told the Daily Echo it planned to press ahead with the Chandler's Ford scheme, he said he believed the Eastleigh alternative was something the council should pursue.

Council leader Keith House (Lib Dem) said: "I'm not surprised that Waitrose is not interested in opening a store in Eastleigh.

"Why would Waitrose want to open a store in Eastleigh when it has planning permission for a good quality development in Chandler's Ford?

"I am very keen to see Waitrose open as quickly as possible at Chandler's Ford."

Executive cabinet members rejected Cllr Olson's call.