|
Published:
February
2,
2010
New
Highbridge clock could be built with housing development cash
 Dozens
of people who donated money towards the repair of Highbridge's
crumbling town clock may be given their money back if a local
housing developer provides up to £15,000 towards the cost
of a new clock.
Town
councillors were told on Monday evening that Raglan Homes, which
is building a new development of houses next to the town's Asda
store, may give the money for a new clock as part of its commitment
to financially support a 'community arts project' in the town.
Mike
Gauntlett of Raglan Homes told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Tuesday (February
2nd) that the money has to be spent in the town as part of a planning
agreement that was struck with Sedgemoor District Council when
it gained consent to build dozens of new homes next to the town's
Asda supermarket.
Mr
Gauntlett also confirmed: "We have held brief talks with
the Town Council about the clock and are interested to hear more
about the proposals over the next few weeks."
While
councillors welcomed the news that a source of potential funding
had been found, several expressed concern that the new clock might
be built away from the current location of the clock, next to
the Church Street roundabout (pictured above).
Cllr
Janet Keen said she would not want the clock built near Raglan's
new housing development further along Church Street. "I'd
want it to stay next to the roundabout. Many of the people who
have supported the clock campaign in recent months have grandsons
and granddaughters who remember the original clock here - it's
an important location."
And
Cllr Joe Leach agreed during Monday's meeting that he too wants
any new clock to be built next to the fomer cattle market. "I
would welcome a new clock in the same style and at the same location.
It's excellent news that a source of funding may have been found."
Town
clerk Eileen Shaw confirmed that more than £2,400 has been
donated by the general public towards the clock repairs and she
said they would be given back the money if Raglan does provide
enough funding.
| 
