Forum Topic

Acton Old Town Hall Clock

The clock has been broken for as long as I can remember, at least 7 years.Whilst the rest of the building has been spruced up, redeveloped and generally given a new lease of life, the most prominent part that can be seen from across the borough has been neglected.The scaffolding for the most recent phase, the development of the new flats, has started to come down and there's no indication the clock will be cleaned or repaired, which seems a shame.I've tried contacting the local council member and the main companies involved Kingsbury Group and Housing Solutions. No replies.Anyone know who at the council is responsible for the building?

Sam Michel ● 2799d21 Comments

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Janice Evans ● 2785d

If they cannot get it to work then they could ask Maarten Baas for ideas ...

Paul Webster ● 2787d

Ms Fairbairns, has "Two Jobs, Two Houses, Tory Cuts" reverted back to you yet? He's had 10 days now."Of course, the thing is if he actually DOES something, AND gets back to you with updates."Or is he "on form" as usual?  :-)

Rosco White ● 2787d

Progress... well, of sorts.I've heard back from One Housing that Mark Crosbie, their Development Director of Operations will get back to me by tomorrow (11 Sep). Will keep you posted.

Sam Michel ● 2787d

Just shows how the devil is in the detail.  Fingers-crossed that you are successful in getting this important clock working again!

Philippa Bond ● 2795d

Seems like an opportunity was missed to make it a condition for planning approval.They were required to keep it - along with preserving the old council room but I did not find a condition that it should be made to keep time.

Paul Webster ● 2796d

That's great Jill, thanks. I've also heard back from Lucy Taylor, the council's Head of Regeneration. Her first project was the Town Hall redevelopment, so hopefully she can navigate the various stakeholders. She's contacted One Housing, who developed the Town Hall flats to see what's happening. I'll keep you posted. Be great if you could do the same Jill.

Sam Michel ● 2796d

Blimey I'm impressed too!It's my kitchen clock.  Can't wait to see it working again.Well done folks.

Sarah Vickers ● 2796d

Blimey, I AM impressed.Wonder what caused "Two Houses, Two Jobs, Tory Cuts" to spring into action so uncharacteristically speedily?  Of course, the thing is if he actually DOES something, AND gets back to you with updates.  :-)

Rosco White ● 2796d

I mailed Julian Bell today and he's already answered. Said he'll see what he can do to get the clock working.

Jill Fairbairns ● 2797d

Our local councillor Dan Crawford, whose ward includes the Town Hall emailed me back - he's usually super-speedy with responses - suggested emailing Lucy Taylor, Head of Regeneration. I've dropped her a line.

Sam Michel ● 2797d

Thanks Paul.Guess they're running a bit behind as the scaffolding is still up. I've heard that some of the flats are up for sale though.I've emailed Mike Johnson, One Housing's Director of Development today, so will post back here if I hear anything back.

Sam Michel ● 2797d

... from CCA AGM of late 2016 ...
Acton Town Hall Works on the creation of the 71 residential units are in progress. The developer, One Housing has confirmed the following timescales: The current hoarding will be replaced with marketing hoarding in May 2017. The show flat should be ready for launch in August 2017 Completion of all units – March 2018 One Housing is also researching the cost for the town hall clock to be repaired and refurbished and will provide an update on this in early December.

Paul Webster ● 2798d

I think I remember reading something a long time ago that said that the mechanics of the clock would be cleaned up and put on display - but that it would no longer work.However, that would not stop them putting something behind the clock faces to make it work ... even cheating and doing it with lights perhaps.

Paul Webster ● 2798d

Good idea Roscoe.  I shall try our leader (:

Jill Fairbairns ● 2798d

Am also wanting to get clock restored. It used to be a public amenity.  If necessary I would be willing to try crowd fundingto pay for it.  But you're right we need an enthusiastic contact. Are councillors any use? I'll try!

Jill Fairbairns ● 2798d

Thanks Iain, I'll send the email, can't hurt. Looks like they'll be responsible for the ongoing letting of some of the flats, so they might take a longer-term view. Don't hold your breath though!

Sam Michel ● 2798d

Agree on the clock. It's such an iconic part of the High Street. I'd think the council still own the building even if they've sold leases to parts of it. The library is definitely council owned, they took it back in house after Carillion went busy earlier this year.

Sam Michel ● 2798d

I have contacted the council in the past and it would be working again within days. I rang them a couple of years ago but nothing was done.  I wonder if it is still the council's responsibility now that the building is flats?  Nevertheless, surely a public clock should be working.

Sarah Vickers ● 2798d

Housing Solutions?? Developer is One Housing Group with their City Style brand. https://www.citystyle.london/contact-us/Mike Johnson is Group Director for DevelopmentMight be too late for the clock unless it was in the contract, good luck anyway, I agree it should be fixed!

Iain Muir ● 2798d

Go straight to The Dear Leader, Cllr Julian Bell?He's renowned for his attention to detail and getting straight on the case, with feedback on the progress.  :-)

Rosco White ● 2798d