Dozens of people who donated money towards the repair of Highbridge’s crumbling town clock may be given their money back if a local housing developer provides up to £15,000 towards the cost of a new clock.
Town councillors were told on Monday evening that Raglan Homes, which is building a new development of houses next to the town’s Asda store, may give the money for a new clock as part of its commitment to financially support a ‘community arts project’ in the town.
Mike Gauntlett of Raglan Homes told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Tuesday (February 2nd) that the money has to be spent in the town as part of a planning agreement that was struck with Sedgemoor District Council when it gained consent to build dozens of new homes next to the town’s Asda supermarket.
Mr Gauntlett also confirmed: “We have held brief talks with the Town Council about the clock and are interested to hear more about the proposals over the next few weeks.”
While councillors welcomed the news that a source of potential funding had been found, several expressed concern that the new clock might be built away from the current location of the clock, next to the Church Street roundabout (pictured above).
Cllr Janet Keen said she would not want the clock built near Raglan’s new housing development further along Church Street. “I’d want it to stay next to the roundabout. Many of the people who have supported the clock campaign in recent months have grandsons and granddaughters who remember the original clock here – it’s an important location.”
And Cllr Joe Leach agreed during Monday’s meeting that he too wants any new clock to be built next to the fomer cattle market. “I would welcome a new clock in the same style and at the same location. It’s excellent news that a source of funding may have been found.”
Town clerk Eileen Shaw confirmed that more than £2,400 has been donated by the general public towards the clock repairs and she said they would be given back the money if Raglan does provide enough funding.
