BONG! Our bells make BBC news
ROCHDALE town hall’s bongs are set to replace the chimes of Big Ben during BBC news bulletins.
Big Ben’s bells fell silent in August to allow essential repair works to take place.
Since then, the Beeb has been using prerecorded chimes on TV and radio bulletins.
The corporation has now said it will broadcast Rochdale town hall’s bells on Radio 4 over Christmas, following calls from politicians including the mayor of Rochdale Coun Ian Duckworth, and Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry.
Rossendale MP Mr Berry, whose constituency includes Whitworth, wrote to BBC director general Lord Tony Hall in January urging him to broadcast the live chimes from the clock tower above Rochdale town hall.
Lord Hall has now replied – and agreed to broadcast more peals of bells from around the UK while Big Ben is silenced.
Coun Duckworth welcomed the news.
He said: “It’s a really good thing. It’s putting the town on the map.
“The town hall is a bit of a hidden gem, and I wish people would come and see it because it’s such as beautiful building.”
Rochdale leader Allen council Brett described the BBC’s original decision to use pre-recorded chimes as a ‘London-centric snub’ to the rest of the country.
He added: “The BBC has really tuned into public opinion and given a ringing endorsement for Rochdale town hall’s renowned bells.
“This will really chime with people, not just across the borough but throughout the north and beyond.
“It’s a real boost for Rochdale and I am proud our town has been recognised in this way.
“The town hall is steeped in history, with an incredible backstory, and this wonderful news helps write yet another chapter.”