Clock confusion – time stands still as Steeple motor packs up

Forfar has been thrown into a time warp due to problems with the town centre Steeple clock.

Time has stood still for weeks, with the four clock faces showing the wrong times and the bells chiming out the wrong hours.

The combination has been causing confusion for residents and visitors alike.

The issues have been traced to a fault with the drive motor and now it is just a matter of time before the part can be replaced.

The problem was spotted before the clocks were turned back an hour to mark the end of British Summer Time.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said his home looked down on to the south face.

“The time was put right when the clocks changed in October, but now the chimes are all at the wrong times,” he said.

“You can normally set your watch by the Steeple clock, but not now.

“It is very confusing when you hear the bells chiming the wrong hours, day and night.”

A spokesman for Angus Council said a recent inspection revealed the drive motor was beyond repair.

He said: “We are currently awaiting a replacement, which will be an upgrade on the previous motor.”

The Steeple is attached to the East and Old Parish Church but is owned by the town.

The repairs will be funded from the council’s Other Services Revenue Budget although no costings are currently available.

Located on the east wall of the church, the tower dates from 1814-15 and stands as a 150ft-high landmark overlooking the town.

It was built by Patrick Brown at a cost of £1,000.