THE DOOR opens next month on conservation friendly Eastleigh's very own green show home.

Eastleigh Council has joined forces with New Downland Housing Association to set up a house in the centre of the town which demonstrates practical ways of reducing the impact on the environment.

It will include a variety of both low-cost and innovative ways to save energy, save water, reduce waste and increase the amount of recycling.

The green message will also be combined with practical demonstrations of fire safety and crime prevention measures.

The environmental theme will also flourish in the garden with drought resistant plants to help conserve water and native species of plants.

Wildlife will be encouraged with bird boxes, bat boxes and habitats for insects.

To be officially opened on Wednesday, October 22, the ecohouse project has been funded jointly by the Housing Association and the borough council's social housing grant.

It will also be used as an education centre for two months with public opening times and will be available for schools and community groups.

Executive councillor for social policy Councillor Anne Winstanley believes the project will provide a real practical benefit.

She says: "The house will be a refurbishment project and show residents how they can make improvements in their homes and give practical examples of sustainability issues."

The house will be let through the Eastleigh Homechoice scheme early in 2004 when energy saving measures and environmental improvements will continue to be monitored.