Published: August 10, 2009
Campaign launched to save Highbridge clock from being boarded up

A brand new campaign, backed by Burnham-On-Sea.com, was launched in Highbridge on Monday (August 10th) to save the town's iconic clock from being boarded up.

Burnham-On-Sea.com exclusively reported last week how two of the three faces are set to be boarded up with decorative panels due to a lack of district council money to keep all the clock's faces running on time.

Sedgemoor District Council said it does not have enough funding to make repairs to the clock.

But a new 'Save Our Clock' campaign has been launched by Highbridge councillor Joe Leach and former Highbridge businessman Tom Ashton to stop the clock being boarded up and raise enough money for the repairs.

"Over £200 has been pledged so far and we have had lots of words of support," Cllr Leach told Burnham-On-Sea.com. "No-one wants to see it boarded up."

Nearby residents Sara and Graham Marsh are among those giving their support to the campaign.

"We use the clock all the time - it's a wonderful old thing and it would be very sad to see it boarded up," said Sara.

And Tom Ashton, who is one of those organising the campaign, added: "This clock is an iconic feature of Highbridge. It's the equivalent of the lighthouse in Burnham."

"We're continuing to put pressure on the district council, but in the meantime we're hoping to raise several thousand pounds to get the repairs made."

The clock has a long history, having been built by Rainforths of Bridgwater and unveiled at Highbridge's Cornhill by the junction of Church Street and Market Street in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

The original clock was replaced in 1965, a year after a lorry demolished it and the current one was re-sited in 1972.

To make a donation of £20 and enter a prize draw to win a named commemorative plaque marking the campaign, contact Mr Leach on 07882 777 127 or by email.

Pictured above are Joe Leach, Tom Ashton and Sara and Graham Marsh at the launch of the clock campaign