As a Colchestrian by birth, I am both dismayed at, and disillusioned by, the Liberal Democrats’ decision to close Tymperleys Clock Museum at the end of October.

Speaking to my cousin, I learned his father, Sidney (Sid) Potter, had been the chief despatch clerk working for Bernard Mason, and one of his responsibilities had been to pick up clocks for his employer, who was an amateur horologist, as well as a well-known philanthropist.

Maybe it was because Bernard Mason’s wife was a borough councillor, deeply interested in the history of the town, that made him take the unusual step of donating his unique collection of clocks, as well as the beautiful, and valuable building housing them, to the borough.

Whatever reason, can it be other than that he believed they would be preserved for posterity? This was a gift to the people of Colchester, and the council holds responsibility of stewardship.

In this respect, if the sale goes ahead, the council will have failed the people and betrayed the trust of an honourable man and his wife.

I fully support councillor Kevin Bentley and all those people who are fighting this decision.

Wyn Foster
Councillor
Sussex Road
Colcheste