Harpenden town clocks starting to wind people up

TIME has stood still in the town of Harpenden for far too long according to certain points of view. That is in no way a reflection of its sleepy nature but a growing awareness that none of the town clocks work. At a meeting of Harpenden Town Council s (HT

TIME has stood still in the town of Harpenden for far too long according to certain points of view.

That is in no way a reflection of its sleepy nature but a growing awareness that none of the town clocks work.

At a meeting of Harpenden Town Council's (HTC) policy and finance committee on June 10, the case of the faulty times was discussed.

The three public clocks on the streets of Harpenden which are out of action are the one above M & Co in the High Street, the one above W.H. Smith's on the Lower High Street and above Stage Door in Southdown.

HTC's town clerk John Bagshaw said: "The town council and other community groups work tirelessly to ensure Harpenden remains a picturesque and pleasant place to live, visit and work. The clocks not working can give a poor impression to both residents and visitors to the town."

He added that letters had been sent to all concerned in a bid to first establish ownership of the clocks then to try and find out if they could repair or replace the clocks.

A new clock similar to the M & Co clock, which has been out of action for more than two years, is in the region of �6,000 plus installation costs. A free standing clock would be in excess of �12,000 plus installation costs.

There is no question of HTC picking up the bill to repair or replace the clocks according to Mr Bagshaw as this would involve the spending of public money.