Excitement is brewing in Greatham as a shop and café could be coming to the village hall.

Support is growing for plans to create a community hub in the Petersfield Road venue with dozens backing the idea at two drop-in events.

Nearly 500 people signed an online petition launched by Sue Godby last autumn in support of a café-shop being established in the hall.

The idea was later backed by the parish council and hall trustees with most agreeing Greatham would benefit from a central place where people can meet, enjoy a coffee and purchase food essentials.

A recently-formed action group has visited similar enterprises like Milland Stores, Hale Community Hub, Liss Triangle Centre, The Beehive Hogmoor and Fittleworth Stores in recent weeks to get advice and inspiration.

Feedback from the drop-in events held last Sunday and Wednesday will be key but a café and shop were the most popular suggestions, followed by a bike rack, lending library, post office, meeting space and food cupboard.

“People from all over the village and all ages have come in and we’re thrilled with the response,” said Mrs Godby, one of five people on the action group.

“What comes out is going to impact the survey that will go to everyone in the village. We need to know we’re going in the right direction and what people want from the hub.”

The action group includes local mothers and former St Matthews Primary School headteacher, Kay Henrie, while an architect and “eco-energy guy” have also offered help.

“I suspect what will make it work is that it will be a hub in with multi-needs, rather than just being a shop,” said fellow group member, Helenka Bednar.

“I think it’s about having a mix of facilities and each of these would support the whole thing in terms of financial viability.”