PLANS have been submitted to modernise a historic clock in Ringwood.

Permission is sought to electrify the clock at Friday's Cross at the entrance of the town's High Street but also to restore the face to its former appearance.

An application has been submitted to New Forest District Council to change the faded blue face with black numbers to its original colours - black with gold numbers.

The clock’s movement dates back to 1830 and is currently hidden from view in a tenant’s bedroom cupboard.

Property owner Chris Wood said the clock hasn't worked for around 10 years but, when it does tick-tock, it has a very loud noise to it, making it difficult for anyone living in the flat located above Friday's restaurant.

"We need to electrify the movement," he said. "The current movement, dated 1830, is hidden from view in the tenanted bedroom in a cupboard and therefore, by doing this, no obvious signs will show any difference."

Mr Wood said in addition to the noise it is unfeasible to expect a tenant to wind up the movement at least once a day.

"Imagine if you forgot to wind it up - there needs to be a degree of common sense," he said. "We're not living in the 1950s.

"We feel the total disrepair of the clock makes the building unsightly and by restoring the clock to its original face it will make the building stand out again. The funds have been donated by public subscription as the town would like its clock back."

It is hoped the changes, which will be decided at a later date, will make the clock more sightly and ensure it always tells the right time.

A campaign called Save The Friday's Cross Clock has been launched online.

A Go Fund Me page has also seen nearly £4,000 raised for the project made up of donations of various well-wishers throughout the town.