COUNCIL bosses have been quizzed on how they will ensure the public gets its say on plans that could see a new multi-million pound leisure centre for the city.

Winchester City Council leader Stephen Godfrey faced a number of questions on the next steps in the possible replacement of the River Park Leisure Centre.

The council is yet to decide whether it will make improvements to the current 40-year-old facility or build a brand new leisure centre on land at Bar End, estimated to cost around £29million.

But a number of councillors asked about how the public would now be consulted in a meeting of the full council.

Cllr Godfrey told how the project had been running for several years and there had already been extensive consultation.

He said this included getting reaction from residents and businesses in Highcliffe to the Bar End development and identify any local issues.

Councillors heard that further work with the public would follow next's month's local elections on the basic designs so far, including public exhibitions.

This will be for all residents, but particularly aimed at those in the city itself.

He said this would be considered when councillors make their decision in November whether to give the green light to the Bar End option.

He said that conversation would continue with key community groups and sports clubs to finalise what the new centre would provide and understand any issues.

If councillors go for a new facility, then Cllr Godfrey said there would be further consultation before any planning application was put forward, on which people have a chance to comment.

As reported, the council suggests a facility could be built on what is currently a play area, artificial pitch, county council land and part of the King George V playing field.

It would be partly funded by Winchester University.

A report has stated revamping the current centre in Hyde cannot increase the amount of facilities and is therefore not the preferred option.

Cllr Power asked about whether those who live in the vicinity of the current centre and users from other areas would be able to have their say.

Cllr Godfrey said that the wider area would be included in the next stage of consultation.

Concern was also raised about how those close to River Park would find the new proposed location more difficult to get to along with a call for improvements to Bar End Road traffic.

Cllr Godfrey said a traffic and access study was already underway.

But he also added: "It is as much up to you members as to council officers to engage with residents to make sure they are getting their voices heard."

City council bosses have faced criticism from residents and councillors about a perceived lack of consultation in a recent cabinet meeting.

Cllr Godfrey said in response to this that the council had developed an online consultation hub and he had instructed council staff to develop a strategy for involving the public for every major project.