A £1m hostel for the homeless has opened its doors in Fareham.

Sixteen residents are starting to rebuild their lives at the new purpose-built facility on the former site of the Rising Sun pub in Gosport Road.

Two Saints Housing Association held a grand opening ceremony at the 16-bed hostel yesterday which was attended by a representative of the residents' liaison group, council chiefs and partners.

Neighbours, who vehemently opposed the hostel at first, have already been treated to a tour of the hostel they now support.

Simon Mantle, chief executive of managers Two Saints, said: "We are all delighted to see the hostel up and running and delivering such a vital service.

"It goes to show what can be achieved when local authorities and housing associations plan and pull together.

"However, we must not forget that what really counts are the opportunities for homeless people, most of whom are local to the area, to begin the process of resettlement back into the community.

"It's important people give these things a chance. If managed properly, they shouldn't be a blight on the neighbourhood."

In 2003 residents near the site started a campaign against the facility, outraged that they would have recovering alcoholics and drug addicts on their doorstep.

More than 400 protesters signed a petition claiming it would prompt a rise in crime.

However, a liaison committee set up last year has assured neighbours that residents are properly supervised.

101 Gosport Road, which took its first residents at the end of last year, replaces outdated temporary accommodation at the Kings Road Night Shelter.

Residents receive all their meals at the hostel and are assigned a key worker to help them get back on their feet.

They are also encouraged to take part in educational activities, achieve employment and secure permanent housing in the borough.

Resident Tony, a former Royal Navy serviceman, said: "The new hostel is very good accommodation. The staff are supportive and helpful here. I want to make progress and then in the end be independent.

"It is down to me but since 1990 all I have known is the street, prison and other hostels. I have got a real chance now."

The hostel is the first base for homeless people in Fareham. After staying for a few months, residents are given the chance to move in to more independent accommodation.

The project has been managed by Two Saints Housing Association and the hostel was built in partnership with Fareham Borough Council, The Housing Corporation and Atlantic Housing Group.