Pevensey Bay Clock on its way?

Residents and visitors to Pevensey Bay could have a new focal point located at the heart of the village. Members of Pevensey Parish Council have discussed the possibility of buying a new clock. Councillors gave themselves more time to decide on a location, the cost of the project and the suitability at a meeting last week. Parishioners are also set to get their say.

The former timepiece located on the top of the village bank has been removed after it broke down and was unable to be repaired. Now councillors are looking at setting a budget for the project. The cost is one major factor but a substantial investment could be justified because of the fact that the clock should not need to be replaced for at least 25 years. A timepiece could also be a fitting way to commemorate the anniversary of the forming of the borough of Pevensey, which will celebrate its 800th birthday next year. Councillor Norman Beany said, ''I think that it's a good idea and we should be putting a clock somewhere in the village. ''It will form a centre piece and would be an excellent way to advertise Pevensey Bay.
''I can understand reasons surrounding costs but I think our parishioners will expect us to go ahead with something like this.'' Cllr Sheila Taylor added, ''When every small village in France can have a clock, then I think we should have one too. ''It would be really good if our clock also included a temperature reading, seeing as though we're on the seaside.'' The clerk to the council is to investigate quotes for either a freestanding or permanent clock. Cllr Maurice Gilbert said that he was worried about the prices charged for public clocks. He said, ''In a day when everyone has got a mobile phone which has a built-in clock, I do not feel I could justify to council tax payers the council spending thousands of pounds on a clock.''

Councillors will next month discuss whether the project should continue.

Updated: Saturday, September 30, 2006 12:23