New call for Memorial clock tower

But there is no money in the budget and the cost was estimated at more than 100,000 at 1989 prices, Cllr Charlesworth was told in response to her written question at last week's full council meeting.

"I found, while I was out canvassing, that so many people, the older generation mainly, still talk about the memorial. But I was told there is no money in the budget and I didn't get much support - the idea was poo-pooed! I was very disappointed and I'd like to know what people out there think. It needs a groundswell of opinion and if I find there is support, I will push ahead with it."

Cllr Jay Kramer, portfolio holder for culture, told Cllr Charlesworth that the clock tower was built in 1872 as a memorial to Prince Albert and stood right in the centre of the town where six roads converge. It was demolished exactly a hundred years later after being seriously damaged by fire.

Most was taken away as rubble, but the council has stored the drinking fountain bowl, the weather vane, some clock workings and a wooden door at the museum.

Two lamps and columns are outside the museum and the statue of Prince Albert is stored at Alexandra Park to protect it from the weather. The clock faces and bells were stolen from the old Waterworks Road Museum store.

Former mayor Graeme White tried to get an appeal going to rebuild the tower in 1996 but very little money was donated and he faced a long wait while Southern Water built a storm water tunnel under the site, which is now pedestrianised.

The following year Observer readers voted to turn the rebuilt tower into a memorial to Princess Diana after her tragic death in the Paris road crash. A charity was set up but folded due to lack of support.

Cllr Charlesworth said she was willing to have another go - if Observer readers want her to. If you have any comments, either e-mail Cllr Charlesworth at [email protected], or write to the Observer at Woods House, Telford Road, St Leonards, TN38 9LZ.