A CAMPAIGN has begun to raise money in the hope of bringing a historic part of Millom back to life.

Town Councillor Ged McGrath has joined up with key voices in the town in an attempt to bring its well known clocktower back into action.

Together with Christine Lovell, mother of the new owners of the Clocktower restaurant, Cllr McGrath embarked on a quest to get everyone in the town to hear their clock chiming in the square once again after 15 years of silence.

Believing it to be a central part of the town’s identity, Cllr McGrath is determined to see everyone get behind the scheme.

He said: “It’s the community’s clock and one of the biggest things that identifies the town.

“It’s important – it’s important for New Year’s Eve celebrations and people coming into the town and seeing that the town is alive because it’s got a working clock.

“It’s about walking round the streets of Millom at midday and hearing it chime. It’s the people’s clock and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Cllr McGrath and his team have been quoted £15,000 for entirety of the work, that will see the installation of a new state-of-the-art clock with all the groundwork needed to go alongside it.

After setting up an official charity, the team will now begin fundraising by selling badges for as little as £1 to get this significant job completed by New Year’s Eve.

Cllr McGrath said: “The clocktower is the jewel of the square. It was a building designed never to go into private ownership.

“However, that did happen and what went with that was the clock. The clock does not exist. All we have is a clock tower with three clock faces.

“It was felt that this small business owner was not responsible for providing the town with a clock so we’re trying to raise funds to secure this clock in the town for future generations of Millom.”

Having found a number of skilled specialists able to take on the challenge, the team have found themselves with a vast array of options that will see the full refurbishment and regilding of the clock, three illuminated faces, the installation of an electronic timer that will keep all three faces in sync and the option of adding a chime for any time or occasion.

Cllr McGrath said: “There are options with it. We can have it chiming at 7am and 7pm, or maybe just for New Year’s Eve or Armistice. There are options.”

The future of the clock is looking promising with two anonymous individuals already pledging £750 to the cause, in addition to increasing numbers of people buying badges and membership.

Cllr Doug Wilson, Millom mayor, also announced the project as one of the charities he will raise money for over the coming year.

Addressing the town council on Wednesday evening, Cllr McGrath said: “I’m not asking you for any money but if we do get it going for New Year’s Eve, I will be here asking for money for a fireworks display to go with the launch.”