PLANS to transform a Hampshire high street into a shoppers' paradise have been given the thumbs up by residents.

The £1m makeover of Fareham's West Street received nothing but praise from all those who went to view the plans.

It is hoped that the much-needed revamp will be completed by next summer, breathing new life into what has become a neglected end of the town.

New paving, improved lighting, more trees and street furniture are all proposed to regenerate the western end in a bid to attract more shoppers to venture there.

Many who went to view the plans at the public consultation at Trinity Church welcomed the rejuvenation proposed by Fareham Council, describing the current state of West Street as dismal and unattractive.

Mike Maude-Roxby, conservation manager at Fareham Council, said: "We have had a steady flow of people coming in and taking an interest in the plans and they have all been very positive.

"These plans are giving the public a flavour of what we are aiming to do to develop this end of the town centre and attract more people to shop here. There have been no dissenters as people feel that this improvement is what West Street needs. They feel all the effort and expense has been focused on the other end of town."

Mike Silverlock, 64, from Western Road, was one of those impressed with what he saw on display. He said: "I think this is much needed down this end. I know several traders here who feel they have been ignored.

"There is nothing this end of town to encourage people to visit. It is all up the other end. These improvements are much welcomed by most people."

Fareham has been awarded the £1m New Growth Point grant by the Department for Communities and Local Government. It is largest grant of its kind in the country and Fareham Council is adding £325,000 to the project.

Work is planned to begin in the autumn. The plans will be on show at the Kings Centre until the end of the month.