WAIT CONTINUES FOR UNVEILING OF PRECIOUS CLEETHORPES LANDMARK

                                                    

Today's picture - scaffolding and netting surrounds the clock tower

THE clock tower at Cleethorpes Railway Station still has not been unveiled  following its recent renovation.
 
As of last year, it  had been hoped that refurbishment and reinstatement of the historic structure might be possible on site, but experts  decided that the extent of rot in the woodwork meant it required a more radical approach.

Planners therefore granted Network Rail listed building consent for its temporary removal. 

There was speculation that the work had been completed and that the clock tower would be on view, restored to its glory of yesteryear, in time for the Easter weekend.

But as of today, Good Friday,  that was not  the case.

While the wait continues. the refurbishment  initiative for such an important landmark has been welcomed by the Civic Society and by Historic England.      
 

The  much-loved landmark shortly before its removal

The Grade II listed clock tower has historic as well as architectural interest because it dates back to 1884 when, along with the adjacent refreshment rooms, it was created  by  Lockerbie  and  Wilkinson,  of  Birmingham, for the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway Company.

Says Historic England: "The magnificent and ornate clock tower, which rises to four stages, forms an intrinsic part of the building’s significance and is a landmark within Cleethorpes and the conservation area.

"It signifies the importance of the railway to Cleethorpes as a predominantly Victorian seaside resort which expanded after 1863 when the railway arrived at  the station which was built right by the beach.

"The clock tower was  found to be in very poor condition, and we understand that it was partly removed for reasons of public safety.

"Substantial areas of rotted wood timber, including structural timbers, needed to be replaced."

Accoya wood has been chosen for the refurbishment  due to its structural integrity, durability and  lifespan.

Once painted, the choice of wood will have no impact upon the appearance of the clock tower but will increase its longevity

The project has also included reinstatement of features which have gone missing over the passage of time.

                                        

Above and below; As yet, the mission is still unaccomplished