A Petersfield charity has a royal proposition for south of Butser residents as it’s keen to convert a village landmark into a youth centre.

An exciting chapter could soon begin for young people in Horndean as the King’s Arms wants to give the former library on Five Heads Road an “exciting new use”.

The good cause has changed the lives of countless East Hampshire teens over the last 25 years through its services, programmes and youth centres in Petersfield and Alton.

But they face a race against time and need a helping hand of their own as Hampshire County Council want to sell the building – and a deadline for offers is October 7.

The KA have now appealed for the public’s help in attracting investment to give Horndean and the Southern Parishes a service the area desperately needs.

Dynamo with a Kings Arms volunteer.

“The value of youth work is being recognised again, and we want to do more in this area,” said programme manager, Dom Clark.

“There’s no youth service offering the type of work that we do in Horndean.

“We found the old library and for us it ticked every box. It’s close to the schools and village centre, it’s got the space and it’s unused.

“We approached HCC first about a lease as we have that arrangement in Alton, but the message was ‘we’re going to sell it’.

“As a charity we don’t have the sort of money to buy it, so we’re asking for the public’s help.”

The King’s Arms is one of Petersfield’s greatest success stories of the last quarter-century as they’ve moved into a former Michelin-star restaurant and opened a second branch in Alton.

King's Arms Alton table football
Teenagers play table football at the King’s Arms in Alton. (Tindle)

The KA made a huge impact locally through their youth clubs and mentoring services, offering hope, support and guidance to countless youngsters aged 11 to 18.

They are confident they can easily transfer their services to a third outpost in Horndean but getting the keys off HCC will be a financial challenge.

Getting the landmark designated as an Asset of Community Value bought some time, but Mr Clarke admits the KA will really need the public’s help – and money – if they’re going to turn a piece of Horndean’s heritage into an “incredible asset for young people” in the southern parishes.

People who are able to assist with finances, materials and running costs have been asked to email [email protected] with a possible pledge figure ahead of a combined bid.