BUSES for Winchester's new park and ride are unlikely to take the fastest route into the city.

Instead, a longer journey is proposed to serve several of the city's largest employers.

The £7.1m scheme under construction at Hockley Link is due to open in April 2010.

Hampshire County Council is building it, but Winchester City Council will decide which firm should run the buses. It can also specify what routes they should take.

A report from city council officers suggests that buses should use Badger Farm Road and Romsey Road.

The route would pass the University of Winchester, the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester Prison, and Hampshire Constabulary HQ.

However, it would also be three miles into the city centre along congested roads. Officers snubbed the shorter route of two miles along St Cross Road because it avoided the major employers.

Stagecoach's contract to run the Bar End buses ends next year, and council chiefs are inviting bids for the enlarged scheme.

Stagecoach will be able to apply, and the council will choose an operator later this year.