Islington Gazette - Division over possible return of clock chimes

Islington Gazette - Division over possible return of clock chimes: "Division over possible return of clock chimes
nlnews@archant.co.uk
18 July 2007

Division over possible return of clock chimes

nlnews@archant.co.uk
18 July 2007

The clock tower in Caledonian Park

THE HISTORIC clock tower in Caledonian Park may chime again - but the prospect of bells tolling across the Market Estate has divided local opinion.

Although the clock still works, its bell was disabled after locals in Holloway complained it was keeping them up. But the debate has recently been reignited after Islington Council promised to look again at the historic clocktower, a relic of the time when the park was home to a large cattle market.

Resident Samuel Addai said: "I've lived here for 19 years and I can't remember it ever chiming!"

Another resident, who asked not to be named, added: "It's our Big Ben - it should chime again."

Sharon Jobe, of the Market Estate Residents' Association, said: "It used to go off every 15 minutes. I don't think people would object to the occasional ding dong."

Councillor Ruth Polling, executive member for leisure and equalities, said: "The clock tower is a landmark but its chimes were silenced after complaints from residents.

"If enough people want them reinstated, we'll take a view after the rebuilding works are completed."

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