Loughborough foundry to repair earthquake-damaged bells

The bells will need extensive testing and repairs, a foundry spokesman said

Repairs on cathedral bells damaged in an earthquake in New Zealand last year is starting in Leicestershire.

Some of the 13 bells from Christchurch Cathedral were cracked when the building collapsed during the quake, on 22 February 2011.

They were originally cast at Loughborough's John Taylor Bell Foundry, in 1978.

Simon Adams, from the foundry, said there was no option but to send them back home for repair.

Mr Adams said: "The bells fell from the tower of the cathedral in New Zealand and the entire contents of the belfry fell on top them.

"We have to make 13 new sets of fittings for the bells … and undertake some specialist testing of the bells and further repairs."

Some of the bells were cracked and will have to be specially welded to return them to top condition, he added.

Many buildings in the city were demolished after the 6.3 magnitude earthquake.