Is time running out for Telford's Priorslee Clock?
It has long been a striking figure but time appears to have run out for well known roadside clock in Telford.
Council officials have put fencing around the clock which sits on the junction of Priorslee Avenue and Priorslee Village.
There are safety concerns about the statuesque clock, which was put up in the 1980s, that have led to it being fenced off.
Major repairs will be needed to retain the landmark, or even potentially a complete rebuild.
Russell Griffin, a spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said discussions are now ongoing about the future of the clock.
He said: "The council has undertaken repairs to the clock tower at various times over the past 30 years. However it is true to say that it is at the end of its useful life in its current form."
The fencing is likely to be in place until a decision is taken about the future of the clock.
Councillor John Minor, the vice chairman of St George's & Priorslee Parish Council said that people wanted to see the landmark remain as a part of the borough.
He said: "The parish of St George's and Priorslee has taken on responsibility for the clock and we are working with Telford & Wrekin about what happens now.
"The general opinion I believe is that people wish the clock to be retained."
Mr Griffin said the clock was initially put up to mark the entrance to one of Telford's new housing estates.
He said: "We believe the clock was installed by the Telford Development Corporation (TDC), probably in the 1980s.
"It was regarded as a gateway feature to what was seen at the time as the premier executive housing developments in Telford. TDC’s headquarters at the time was at Priorslee Hall so they had a local affiliation with that part of Telford."
Mr Griffin also confirmed that officials would be looking at what could be done to restore the clock.
He said: "Telford & Wrekin Council is working closely with St Georges and Priorslee Parish Council to examine potential future options."
There are no figures indicating how much repairs could cost, although significant work is required.
Mr Griffin said: "Any likely cost and who pays for it is still being assessed. We do know however that it requires significant work and maybe a full rebuild to return it to a serviceable condition."
