Lyndhurst'S controversial traffic scheme has been given a warm welcome - now that it is up and running.

The £800,000 Hampshire County Council project which involved narrowing the road to one lane while widening the pavements for pedestrians caused a wave of objections when it was being drawn up and when the work was under way.

But at an official unveiling of the scheme, it was given a warm welcome. Parish council chairman Mark Abbott, who was presented with a photographic record of the High Street's history, said: "Some people who signed a petition against it have said to me they would not have signed if they had known how it was going to turn out.

"It is for the benefit of mothers with pushchairs, for people who have wheelchairs and for a lot of others who use our High Street.

"They are also more likely to spend more in our shops if they're not being pushed off the pavement."

The presentation was made by Hampshire County Council's environment committee chairman Keith Estlin, who said: "It has been a real team effort from which I hope that all of those who work in, live in and visit Lyndhurst will benefit.

"There has been some inevitable disruption which everyone involved tried to minimise.

"I would like to give my thanks to local people for the way that people assisted with and tolerated the works."

He added that the alterations had achieved a careful balance between providing space for people and meeting the need keep traffic moving and cater for essential deliveries.

New Forest District Council also welcomed the scheme and said: "It is important that people can use our town and village centres in safety and comfort.

"We have an environment in Lyndhurst that we can be proud of.