VILLAGERS in the New Forest are celebrating the completion of a £200,000 project to transform the heart of their community.

Fawley's historic square has been given a major makeover in a bid to make it a safer and more pleasant place for pedestrians.

New facilities include a children's play area outside the Jubilee Hall and a village green in front of the Falcon Hotel.

On Saturday a dedication ceremony was hosted by retired architect Doug Eaglen, the driving force behind the six-year scheme.

Mr Eaglen, of Calshot Road, Fawley, was cheered and applauded by fellow villagers as he hailed the successful conclusion of the parish's millennium project.

"It will be part of Fawley's history - a permanent recognition of the year 2000 and the start of a new millennium," he said.

At one stage the scheme was almost stopped dead in its tracks by lack of funding, but Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council and Fawley Parish Council came to the rescue.

ExxonMobil, owner of Fawley Refinery, also ploughed money into the much-needed project.

Mr Eaglen told the Daily Echo: "The Square used to be a sea of tarmac but has undergone a complete transformation.

"We've provided a village green and a play area, as well as improved facilities for pedestrians.

"Hopefully the changes will also stop traffic going through at 90mph."

Former Fawley district councillor Martin Cox said: "It's a large parish, but Fawley is a village in its own right and needs a centre.

"These days we have to get a balance between the needs of drivers and the needs of pedestrians - and this is a nice balance."

Marshall Palmer, vice-chairman of the parish council, said: "The Square used to be a bit of a ratrun, but is much improved."