'Time ticking' on clock scheme

Councillor George Hartin, Chairman of Bushmills Townscape Heritage Initiative Partnership, in a letter to Moyle Council in early July, said: ‘Ownership of the clock tower has changed hands within the past four weeks. Our consultant conservation architect has contact details of the new owner, should you require them.

‘The new owner has been made aware that the clock tower is eligible for grant assistance from the Townscape Heritage Initiative for repointing masonry, repairs to doors and windows, etc but that the THI scheme is time limited and all construction work must be completed by 31 December 2010 to enable the scheme to be closed on 31 March 2011 as required by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

‘The new owner has indicated that he is willing to meet to discuss the future management and operation of the clock should the Council wish to take a further interest in this historic building,” said Cllr Hartin.