A NEW sports complex will set to rise from the ashes of a New Forest pavilion destroy-ed by vandals.

Parish leaders have submitted plans for a replacement to the building at the Queen Elizabeth II playing fields in Blackfield.

A blaze destroyed the sports building a year ago. The culprits have never been caught.

Alan Glass, leader of Fawley Parish Council, said the new building was "as near as possible to being vandal- proof".

High windows and non-flammable building materials are among safeguards planned for the replacement structure.

It will also be located further away from homes adjoining the playing fields to discourage vandals from congregating near it.

Councillor Glass said: "We're trying to raise more money than we're getting from the insurance to build a much better pavilion.

"It's generally a much better design and it's also going to meet all the Football Association requirements. It's going to be a really nice building."

He said he was confident the new building would be approved by New Forest Council when plans are submitted to the planning committee.

Cllr Glass said the problems of teenage rowdyism was much improved in the area following the introduction of the new initiatives.

He said: "There's a long way to go on sorting out the vandal problem. We're trying to deal with the kids who refuse to join the various clubs available in the area by providing facilities for their needs, such as a youth shelter in Newlands Road."