WINCHESTER civic chiefs have been given a cash windfall in the will of a former city resident.

The city council will receive a £530,000 bequest this month from Harold Harris, who died in Hong Kong in August 2011, aged 86.

A further £60,000 is expected when the executors have met any liabilities.

One of his conditions was the bequest be used to build homes for the elderly.

Council leader Keith Wood said: “This is most welcome and we are very grateful for Mr Harris' generosity.

“This could help a project that could be undertaken by the city council or go to aiding a housing association.”

It is understood the Chesil Street car park is being considered as a site for elderly housing and these funds could be used.

But Kevin Warren, head of estates, said a site had not been confirmed yet and several options were being investigated.

He said: “The government has confirmed the importance of the provision by offering a grant toward the construction of a special care scheme in the city.

“The council has made the siting of the new home a priority and hopes to conclude this before the end of the year.”

Any development built with the money would include a memorial to Mr Harris and his late wife Yuk Sin, who died in 2006. The couple had no children.

Council corporate director, Stephen Whetnall, added it is the second major bequest the council has received in 25 years.

Born in 1925, Mr Harris grew up in Stuart Crescent, Stanmore, with five brothers and two sisters, and attended Stanmore Junior and Peter Symonds Grammar Schools.

He moved to Southend to work as a junior clerk aged 16, before serving in the Royal Navy during World War Two as a signalman.

After the war he joined the police in Palestine and then Hong Kong, where he served between 1950 and 1987, retiring as a chief inspector of police with several medals.

His brother, Peter, 81, still lives in Winchester, and said Harold was well-loved by his family and had shown generosity before.

Mr Harris, of St Annes Close, Badger Farm, said: “In 2008 he donated a sum of money to help the elderly at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

“I don't know how much it was but it helped with their computer system.

“He was very regimented and his colleagues said he was strict, but fair. He was always seen to be fair. He was also quiet and reserved.”

Harold's death came shortly before he was due to come and stay with his brother.

Mr Harris added: “He was going to come and stay with me in 2011 and went to have a medical before flying where he was told he was riddled with cancer. Within a couple of months he died.”