FOR two years the Rev Bill Day has battled to build a community facility for Segensworth residents.

Undeterred by property deals falling through and the prospect of starting the project from scratch he was determined to ensure it became a reality.

Now he can allow himself a small celebration after planning approval was granted to build a day care nursery complete with a space for residents to worship on Sundays.

According to the Rev Day, who runs the St Peter's parish in Titchfield, the project will be a positive example of how the church can make a difference in the community.

He said: "Two years ago we realised there was a problem with the lack of nursery places in the area and as part of the millennium Stepping Out project we wanted to undertake a project that would really benefit the community.

"Having a space for worship as well is a good way of making the church accessible to people in the area It is somewhere they can come along to quite easily."

However, the ride has not been an easy one since the idea was first conceived. The initial site earmarked by the church fell through after negotiations broke down at the last minute. But luckily an ideal site became available just across the road and last week planning permission was officially granted by Fareham council.

The Rev Day said: "It worked out well for us in the end as the site is better suited to our needs. We have a third of an acre grounds which will be better to cater for more cars off the road. Work is now starting which we are very pleased about so we hope to be open by the end of the year."

Once open the nursery in Segensworth Road will be able to cater for 24 children aged three to five years old and 12 children under three.