ONE of only a handful of centres across the country to promote green issues in the community could open in Fareham.

The Earth Matters project is set to take off after gaining the support of councils, environmental groups and Southampton's revolutionary environment Centre.

The project is being prepared by Gosport and Fareham Friends of the Earth who say the idea has wide support.

Organiser John Vivian said a business plan was being drawn up, thanks to county council funds which paid for the early stages of the project.

He said an initial meeting last week with interested parties proved that the will was there to make the centre a reality.

"We are going to have another meeting inviting business people to set up a small management committee or working party to develop the project further."

The Environment Centre, in Castle Way, Southampton, is now looking at ways to support the Fareham initiative.

Services manager Alan Phillips said the Environment Centre had proved that its services were increasingly needed. "We are growing and doing well every year - the demand is certainly there with businesses and Hampshire is forward thinking compared to other counties."

Fareham and Gosport Borough Councils have lent their support and chairman of Fareham's leisure and environment committee councillor Bob Munden praised the idea.

"What they would like would be a centre in the middle of town where people could drop in and be made aware of environmental issues. We would support them in any way we possibly could - it is a very good way for the council and community to work together."