A LEGAL row has broken out over a historic Colchester building.

There was a furore when Colchester Council announced it wanted to off-load the former clock museum because the cost of maintaining it was too high.

Opponents accused the council of selling off the family silver as the listed building - once the home of Royal physician Willian Gilberd - was bequeathed to the town by philanthropist Bernard Mason.

However, it seemed a compromise had been reached when it was revealed Royal jam-makers Wilkin & Sons would take over a 20 year lease.

Now, the plans have hit stormy water due to a dispute over access.

Now it has emerged the archway leading to the building and grounds is owned by James Weaver, who also owns the neighbouring Art Cafe in Trinity Street.

It is understood Mr Weaver and Colchester Council are in a legal dispute over whether visitors can use the entrance without permission from the landowner.

As a result, a hoped-for summer opening has had to be postponed until the issue is resolved.

The museum - which featured a selection of unique clocks made in Colchester - was shut by Colchester Council in 2010.

Last year, many of the clocks were put on display in Hollytrees Museum, while the remainder are in storage.

The authority last year invited bids for anyone interested in taking on the building, which is the remainder of a larger one where William Gilberd, the father of electricity, once lived.

Council chiefs said Wilkin & Sons’ bid, to create a “Tiptree at Tymperleys” tea room similar to ones set up in Tiptree, Dedham and elsewhere, scored highly against all its criteria.

Wilkin & Sons hopes to display some of the clocks in the tea room and open up the garden during the summer.

The family firm has also set out plans to appoint local experts to create displays of the history of the building and clocks and potentially offer guided tours.

Wilkin & Sons confirmed it had not yet signed the agreed 20-year lease for the building.

Joint managing director Ian Thurgood said it was “unfortunate” the firm had not yet been able to access Tymperleys.

He said: “We’re hopeful any existing issues will be resolved soon so we can start to make plans to open Tymperleys up to the public of Colchester.”

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “Colchester Council is working to finalise details of the lease for the Tymperleys building.”

Mr Weaver declined to comment.