A historic clock, which has remained silent for more than 40 years, looks set to ring out again.

The bells at the town clock at St Mary's Church, Wallingford, will almost certainly be restored and allowed to strike hourly.

Plans to restore the clock were given a boost by the results of a survey of town centre residents by Wallingford Town Council.

The questionnaire showed 54 per cent in favour of having the chimes reinstated during daylight hours, despite claims by some town councillors that it would be a noise nuisance. Town council clerk Andrew Rogers said the clock bell could be ringing again by early spring. "If the majority of those that responded to the survey want to hear the clock strike, then this will come about," he said.

"The findings have been reported to the council and will be taken on board."

He said he was not surprised at the result of the survey, and was already getting quotes for the work.

He said: "This was always on the cards, but we haven't got any funds allocated to it, which might prove to be a bit of a problem. "We are talking about quite a lot of money and have to be sure we are getting the best value."

Town mayor Alec Hayton said the work would cost at least £4,000.

He added: "At the moment we can't afford the amount of money that would be required, but we would be delighted to be able to do something in the next financial year."

The plans have the backing of the town rector, the Rev John Morley.

Story date: Thursday 04 November

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