PUB bosses have called time early on a plan to tackle the threat of traffic misery posed by the controversial Waitrose development at Fryern Hill, Chandler's Ford.

Eastleigh borough councillor Godfrey Olson drew up the proposal calling for Waitrose to purchase the nearby Halfway Inn site.

Mr Olson, who is to present the plan to colleagues on Wednes-day, believes that including the site in the development would reduce pressure on roads round the new store.

But the inn's owners, Whitbread Pubs Inn-Line, said the plan was a non-starter.

A spokeswoman ruled out selling and said: "We were approached by Waitrose about a year ago and what we agreed was that we would sell a portion of the car park.

"But we have no intention to sell the pub."

The news will be a blow to hundreds of residents fighting the planned store and who consider road safety and traffic congestion to be key issues.

Mr Olson believes his plan would ensure improved access to the store and less traffic on the Oakmount Road area.

He said: "I was opposed to the application and the development on that particular site but, unless the residents' association is successful in their endeavour to stop it, one has to accept it will take place.

"What I am anxious to do is try and mitigate the damage it will do to the surrounding area. This is really a damage-limitation motion."

The issue is set to be discussed by members of the council's local area committee at their meeting in the Dovetail Centre.