WINCHESTER'S civic headquarters are outdated and not paying their way, a councillor has claimed.

Cllr Ian Tait, former portfolio holder for housing, said Abbey House should be 'ditched'.

“This council has to pay its bills and assets have to earn their keep,” he told Winchester City Council's cabinet.

“Whilst it's a lovely building it fails to earn its keep. It's not a key asset for this authority.”

Abbey House, on The Broadway, dates back to the 17th century and is the official residence of the mayor.

In response former mayor Cllr Mike Read, portfolio holder for built environment, said: “The only thing I would say about Abbey House is that by spending some money on it, it will bring greater use and it will possibly start earning its place within the council. It's our civic headquarters.”

The discussion came during a review of the council's asset management. Councillors congratulated head of estates Kevin Warren for recent work, including the refurbishment of Abbey Mill which is leased to River Cottage - TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's restaurant chain.

The energy manager report given to councillors said a feasibility study to install a hydro-electric water turbine at Abbey Mill could generate £20,000 a year.

“A pre-application for the scheme has been submitted to the Environment Agency and has received an initial reply,” it said.

“In order for the project to be viable additional water flow needs to be directed toward Abbey Mill. Winchester City Council would need to satisfy the Environment Agency and Natural England that this will not be of detriment to the ecology of the main Itchen SAC and will not pose a flood risk.”