A MASSIVE £2.5m scheme to cut pollution in the New Forest has been finished a year ahead of the deadline set by environmental watchdogs.

Southern Water says cleaner rivers are flowing through the Forest following major improvements to a sewage works serving 2,300 people in the Sway area.

The new-look complex in Flexford Lane, Sway, deals with about two million litres of waste water a day.

Southern Water has upgraded the biological treatment process, enabling the plant to remove more pollutants and clean the water to a higher standard.

Managers have also boosted the plant's capacity, which means more rainwater will be treated instead of going straight into the nearby Avon Water.

The extra storage tanks at the complex are expected to reduce flooding problems in the parish.

Construction work was confined to the site to prevent it having any impact on the surrounding area, part of the New Forest Heritage Area.

The £2.5m scheme has been finished sooner than the environment Agency required.

Paul Bradley, Southern Water's major projects manager, said: "We are delighted to have completed this important project a year early.

"It's bringing great benefits to the Avon Water and for all the people who enjoy spending time in this beautiful part of the countryside."

A ceremony marking the improvement scheme was attended by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne and Lt-Col Mike Shand, chairman of New Forest District Council.

Mr Swayne praised Southern Water's decision to increase the building's storage capacity. I've had a lot of complaints about flooding in Sway and I'm assured the improvements to the works will make a difference," he said.

Neville James, SW's regional waste water manager, also helped celebrate the completion of the work.