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

Tory leader Councillor Godfrey Olson wanted to draw Waitrose's attention to its 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 large stores - including a superstore able to compete with ranges offered by out-of-town competitors.

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

Acknowledging that the store planned to press ahead with the Chandler's Ford scheme, he said he believed the town centre alternative was something the council should pursue.

But council leader Keith House (Lib-Dem) said: "Why would Waitrose want to open a store in Eastleigh when they have planning permission for a good quality development in Chandler's Ford?

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

Executive cabinet members rejected Cllr Olson's call.