Safety fears prompt plan for auto-winder in Fordingbridge town hall clock tower

CLIMBING Fordingbridge town hall's tower to wind up the clock is such a risk to staff that councillors have asked to install an automatic mechanism.

The town council has applied to New Forest District Council for listed building permission to avoid workers having to make the ascent to maintain it manually.

The submission to NFDC said: "We have struggled to wind the clock in the tower for many years. Unfortunately, the space is confined and and can only be reached by a ladder.

"We want to add an electric winder for safety reasons."

The town council said it wanted to employ specialist firm Smith of Derby to manufacture and install an electrically powered unit to maintain regular striking and chiming.

The application included a statement by Smith of Derby that it has successfully installed similar systems in listed buildings throughout the country.

Fordingbridge Town Hall is a Grade II listed building which was completed in 1877.