The Basildon belltower's days of ignominy could soon be over.
The solicitor for Mowlem Construction - owed £750,000 for its part in the building of the structure at St Martin's in 1999 - believes a positive decision on the debt is imminent.
The Echo revealed on Friday that the total unpaid bill for the 30m glass and steel tower has soared past the million-pound mark because of interest payments.
St Martin's Parish Church Council is responsible for the debt, although the church's former vicar, Canon Lionel Webber, had the tower built without the cash to pay for it.
Mowlem's solicitor, Tony Kearney, said: "We have been pleased by the positive and constructive attitude taken by all the parties towards a satisfactory solution and we remain optimistic an acceptable solution can be found.
"We are hopeful a decision is imminent."
Mowlem would not discuss the amount they expect to recoup for the millennium tower, which was officially opened by the Queen.
However, it is clear the company and the other creditors do not expect to get the full £1million back.
Mr Kearney said: "We have had to take a realistic view and I think this is the position which will be adopted by all the creditors.
"Everybody has been co-operating to try to resolve a difficult situation."
During the days of Canon Webber, there were concerns that the belltower might be knocked down. Mr Kearney said: "We are not looking at knocking down the tower. We never wanted to do that."
Published Monday, December 16, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article