A LONG-RUNNING hostel for ex-offenders in a Hampshire village near Winchester is set to close, it can be revealed.

Elderfield House in Otterbourne is no longer financially sustainable, says its operator for the last 60 years, the Langley House Trust.

For decades it has provided a place where low and medium risk ex-inmates can live and undertake rehabilitation courses.

One resident said: “Essentially 13 offenders are being kicked out as of March 27.

“There are other places in Winchester such as West View House, the Nightshelter and Keystones but they are all full. I feel very upset and angry. I do not have anywhere else to go, except back to prison. I need an opportunity and a chance to show that I have turned a corner and want to move on from crime.”

A spokesman for the charity denied the March 27 date and said the consultation ongoing. There is no date for closure, she said. She said the root cause of the closure was the ending of the Supporting People initiative funding from the county council in 2016. “Very sadly we have not got sustainable funding and therefore the project is at risk of closure. We are at the proposal stage but we are looking to close Elderfield. We are working with the clients to find alternative places for them to move on to. We want to make sure they are rehoused.”

Elderfield is the only Langley hostel where residents do a six-month Pathways to Change programme that involves cognitive behaviour therapy.

The future of the building is uncertain. It belongs to the Methodist Church. As well as the large house there is a large open space at the back next to Kiln Lane.