The future of a  Owslebury pub is unclear.

The leaseholder of the Ship Inn has told Winchester City Council they want to transfer the lease of the pub.

The Greene King-owned pub already has some protection against future development as it was added to the councils list of ‘Assets of Community Value’ in 2013.

It means community groups can bid for the pub before it is sold on the open market.

Parish clerk of Owslebury and Morestead Parish Council Michael Cleary told the Chronicle the council is keen to see the Ship Inn continue as a pub and understands there is a potential bid from a purchaser in the pipeline.

Under the localism act, if the council receives a notification of a transfer or lease if a bid for the pub is received and accepted from an appropriate community interest group the sales moratorium period is extended to six months.

Parish clerk of Owslebury and Morestead Parish Council Michael Cleary told the Chronicle the parish council is keen to see the Ship Inn continue as a pub and understands there is a potential bid from a purchaser in the pipeline.

If Winchester City Council receives an appropriate intention to bid by May 2, this stops the relevant disposal for six months, until September 21.

For more information contact the Council on 01962 840222 and ask for Jo Anderson or Antonia Perkins.