WINCHESTER'S council boss has reiterated his desire to keep the site of River Park Leisure Centre for recreation.

Councillors warned that developing the site for housing would strip Hyde and the city centre of recreation facilities.

It comes after a council pledge to "review housing potential" of large sites including River Park, which is set to be replaced by a new facility in Bar End.

A housing scheme would likely be unpopular with many residents, some of whom are upset at the prospect of losing a facility within walking distance.

Cllr Stephen Godfrey, leader of Winchester City Council, said residents would be consulted on the future of the site should Bar End go ahead.

He told a meeting: "My expectation will be that it's used for some cultural, community or leisure facility."

Cllr Rose Burns said housing development would be "impossible" due to a covenant on the land. William Burrow Simmons limited it to scientific or leisure use on its sale in 1902, she said.

Cllr Godfrey said planned work on the nearby football and cricket pitches would continue regardless over the next two years.