Bell to fall silent for first revamp in 50 years

The clock's bell - nicknamed "Little John" - is the fifth heaviest bell in the UK, and its E-flat tone is the deepest in the country, the council said

The bell of Nottingham's Council House will fall silent to allow for a major restoration to take place.

Work to service the clock which was last fully dismantled and inspected in 1978, started on Monday and aims to be completed by 7 November.

This will include a full inspection and servicing of the clock's mechanism, hour strike, and bells, and restoring the clock face's centre cross with traditional 23.75ct gold leaf.

Nottingham City Council said work would "prepare the clock for the next 50 years of faithful timekeeping".

Councillor Jay Hayes, executive member for housing and planning at the city council, said: "The Council House clock is a cherished part of our city's skyline and history.

"This restoration is an investment in Nottingham's heritage, ensuring that it continues to stand proudly and reliably for generations to come."

The council said it secured £60,000 of funding from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund to help pay for the restoration works, including contingency for any additional minor repairs.