A NEW clock believed to be Colchester’s first public clock to be unveiled in 30 years has shown its face.

The new installation can be found on a residential block at the newly-built Chesterwell estate at Mile End, facing the A134 towards Great Horkesley.

It has been welcomed by Colchester’s High Steward Sir Bob Russell, who grew up in Mile End.

He believes it is Colchester’s first new public clock for around 30 years, the last being on the Osborne Street multi-storey car park.

While welcoming the new clock, Sir Bob said he hoped it would be maintained and not neglected as has been the case with several existing clocks in Colchester.

But he explained he has received assurances it will be looked after by a management company.

Gazette:

Sir Bob said: “Sadly, there is no legislation which requires clocks in public places to tell the correct time, even when they are on a listed building and in a conservation area.

“It is disappointing that owners of such buildings do not show pride and respect.

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“Of course, there is the old joke that they are correct twice a day – but that is not helpful.”

Sir Bob highlighted several clocks in public locations around Colchester which had gone through periods of not working including the clock on Colchester Town Hall.

The two faces of the clock outside the Metro Bank opposite the town hall, in High Street, were also broken for years when the unit was occupied by Burtons but have since been repaired.

He said: “A simple letter from me to the Metro Bank HQ, ahead of the Colchester branch opening, led to the clock being repaired.

“If I could get such a positive outcome from a single letter, it would be nice if the council could make official approaches to the others with non-working clocks to request that they get them working again.

“Of course, there are those who may feel this shows that time has stood still in Colchester.”