Nearly time town got its clock back
WHITLEY Bay’s Grant’s Clock is hoped to be back in action by the end of this month after being severely damaged during Storm Arwen.
The clock opposite the former Rex Hotel was damaged during November’s brutal storm. Storm Arwen left about 18,000 North East homes without power and claimed the lives of three people across the UK.
The storm saw the clock face torn from its column.
North Tyneside Council aims to unveil the restored landmark by May 28.
Whitley Bay councillor John O’Shea said: “The Grant’s Clock on the seafront is an iconic feature. It was destroyed during Storm Arwen and many people have been asking what was happening with it. It was sent away for specialist repairs and the plan will be to return it by the end of this month, and I am hopeful it will be returned.”
The clockface was sent to Smith of Derby, a clock making, servicing, and restoration firm established in 1856. The cost of repairs has been estimated at around £15,000.