PUBLIC opposition has forced a U-turn on plans to close Colchester's clock museum.

Colchester Council has withdrawn its decision to shut the display at Tymperleys, a unique collection of locally-made clocks housed in the former home of pioneering physicist William Gilberd.

Talks will now be held in a bid to find a way of keeping it open to the public, at reduced cost to the taxpayer.

Nick Barlow, councillor with responsibility for culture, admitted the authority "did not consult anywhere near widely enough" about the move.

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