Corn Exchange bells fall silent for repairs

The bells were installed in the clock tower in 1864.

The bells of Dorchester's Corn Exchange will fall silent until next summer while they await repairs.

Bespoke metal strapwork that holds them in place needs to be replaced and the hammer mechanism refurbished.

The bells were manufactured by John Taylor of Loughborough and fitted in the newly erected clock tower, known as Galpin's folly, in 1864.

Dorchester Town Council said it was hoped they could be switched back on to ring in the New Year.

Town clerk Steve Newman said: "Due to the specialist nature of this work, it will not be able to be completed until June next year and, as a precaution, the bells will be switched off until that work has been completed."

Town mayor Robin Potter said: "The tower is called Galpin's folly because many people feared it would collapse – with its bells – soon after it was built.

"I think over 150 years is pretty good.

"It will be a shame for anyone in town not to be able to hear the regular chimes for the next few months, but it will be worth it to make them safe for the next decades.

"I do hope we can have them on for the special event of New Year to time the celebrations correctly."