BARCLAY'S potential move to Bournemouth came a step closer last night when the town's council gave the green light for officers to proceed with negotiations over the sale of Cotlands Road car park.

The site, near the Lansdowne, has been identified as a possible new home for Barclays, which feels its Poole home no longer meets its needs.

But there remains a question mark over the valuation of the site and whether Barclays will pay it.

Deputy leader Adrian Fudge said: "Barclays is considering various sites, including Bournemouth. Whether we can agree a value with them remains to be seen. But our fingers are crossed - it would bring a lot of employment to the town."

Barclays House, Poole, is currently home to 2,500 staff.

Concerns were raised about the upshot for Bournemouth of attracting such a large influx of new workers.

Cllr Roger West questioned the environmental impact of increasing the number of cars coming into the town.

But Cllr Fudge said one reason for Barclays' interest in Cotlands Road was its proximity to the railway station and major bus routes. He said: "The roads could not sustain the number of vehicles."

The issue of car parking in the town was also highlighted, with the potential loss of a large public parking facility.

But a report put before the cabinet at last night's meeting said the sale of the Cotlands Road land would generate funds to build a new multi-storey car park nearby.

Council leader Richard Smith said parking in the Lansdowne area could even be increased overall.

Barclays is remaining tight-lipped on the issue. It says it is looking at several sites in Bournemouth and Poole, and has yet to fully discount staying at Barclays House.

The nine-storey building in Poole's town centre has housed Barclays staff for more than 30 years.