A public clock in Keswick which has stopped will remain broken because the charity responsible for it cannot afford to pay the repair bill of nearly £2,000.
The clock tower at Cafe Hope in Hope Park was installed in 2012 after being funded by Keswick Lions Club to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
“It has not been reliable for some time and has now completely stopped,” said town clerk Lynda Walker in her report to the park’s trustees who met online last week.
She said Cumbria Clock Company had carried out an inspection and reported that no replacement parts were available, which meant a new system would have to be installed at a cost of around £1,160 plus VAT.
Restoration of the dial to be carried out at the same time would cost a further £430 plus VAT.
“I have asked Keswick Lions Club if they would be prepared to fund the repair and restoration of the clock but they replied that they do not feel that this is a suitable use of the club’s funds,” said Mrs Walker.
“There is no budgetary provision for this work and in view of the current financial circumstances, it is proposed to take no further action for the time being,” she added.
The Hope Park jubilee clock tower came into use when the revamped cafe, which replaced the old green wooden kiosk, was officially opened eight years ago by writer and broadcaster Eric Robson.
He was accompanied at the official ceremony by the mayor of Keswick Andrew Lysser and other guests. A foundation stone was also installed in the wall in front of the cafe.
