Drone reveals work to be done on Carillon Tower

LOUGHBOROUGH’S Carillon Tower is set to undergo a £282,000 restoration project after a number of surveys - including a drone inspection - revealed parts of the building have deteriorated over the years.

A report, which is to be presented to Charnwood Borough Council’s full council on Monday (November 6), states the Carillon Tower, which will celebrate its centenary in 2023, is in need of repairs and cleaning.

Visual inspections of the building have been carried out and a drone was used to inspect high level elements and photograph windows and brickwork.

Following the findings, a £282,000 refurbishment package has been suggested. The proposed works include: stone and brickwork repairs and cleaning, minor repairs to the copper roof, and the bronze memorial plaques would get a spruce.

A £103,000 refurbishment of the 47 bells and clavier by John Taylor Bell Foundry is also included in the price.

The report states: “Elements of the building have deteriorated over the years due to general weathering and use of the building.

“The Carillon has long been recognised as a unique selling point for Loughborough and in April 2015 the council installed new Welcome to Loughborough road signs on the highway approaches to the town using the image of the Carillon in its promotion.

“The proposed works will conserve and enhance the borough’s historic and cultural environment, settlement identity and landscape character.

“The councils investment is considered appropriate and will safeguard the building for the future.”

The report states it is hoped money for the works can be secured through grant funding from the War Memorials Trust - which can cover up to 75 per cent of the cost.

However it is proposed, if the bid is unsuccessful, the council cover the full cost of the scheme itself.

• The Carillon report can be found at: www.charnwood.gov. uk/committees/the_council