St Albans Clock Tower Repaired
The historic 15th Century Clock Tower in St Albans has undergone successful repair work to its structure.
A survey had revealed that the mortar holding the stone walls of the building together was badly weathered and had begun to decay.
Contractors working for St Albans City and District Council, which owns the only medieval town belfry left in England, have now repointed the walls.
The Clock Tower with its giant bell has survived more than 600 years of use and is one of the City’s most famous landmarks.
It is open to the public and those able to climb its 93 steps up a narrow staircase can enjoy wonderful views of St Albans.
Details of the repairs were included in an asset management report to a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet on Thursday 22 November.
Councillor Julian Daly, Portfolio Holder for Commercial and Development, said:
The Clock Tower is one the oldest and most important of all the buildings in St Albans and is a symbol of the City.
It is a major attraction with thousands visiting it every year. It is no coincidence that it features in most publicity photographs and films about St Albans.
I am very pleased that a problem with its structure was quickly identified and repaired. It’s good that the work has been completed in time for Christmas as this year the Clock Tower is being illuminated as part of the City’s festive lights show.
Other maintenance work recently carried out by the Council includes the resurfacing of a crumbling footpath in Verulamium Park. This is located on the west side of the lake, close to the splash park.
Major footpath resurfacing was also carried out at Fleetville Recreation Ground, partly funded by S106 payments. That is money provided for community infrastructure by property developers in recognition of the impact new housing and other buildings can have.
Forthcoming projects include footpath repairs in Clarence Park and the completion of resurfacing work at Westminster Lodge running track.
Cllr Daly said:
It’s vitally important that we maintain our parks, sport facilities and other community assets in good condition. A lot goes on behind the scenes to do this work and I thank the team who do it.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Julian Daly, Commercial and Development Portfolio Holder at St Albans City and District Council
Mob: 07775 657200, Email: cllr.j.daly@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City & District Council
Tel: 01727 296130, E-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk