VILLAGERS will today examine plans for a giant distribution centre on the edge of the New Forest.

Cut-price supermarket chain Lidl wants to build a 42,000 square metre warehouse at the gateway to the National Park near junction two of the M27. The scheme, which would create up to 200 jobs, has already met with a mixed reaction from residents in the nearby village of Ower.

Company bosses are staging the first of two public open days at Totton Sports Club in Southern Gardens, Totton, from 2pm until 7pm today. A second exhibition is to take place tomorrow from 8am to 2pm.