THE clock tower in a Middlesbrough park has been dismantled for restoration.

As part of the final works in the £4.4m restoration of Albert Park, all the historic monuments are to be refurbished, including the clock, sundial, fountain and main gates.

The clock was a gift from Alderman Thomas Sanderson and dates back to 1900. It was made and fabricated to the designs of Walter Macfarlane and Co from Glasgow.

Heritage Engineering, also from Glasgow, removed the top part of the clock and will now refurbish it in their workshops.

It is expected to be away for about six weeks. The remainder of the clock tower will be refurbished on site.

An exact replica of the park fountain is being fabricated by Lost Art of Wigan.

It will recreate all the lost features including lily leaves, swans, herons, bullrushes and columns.

The fountain dates from 1869 and was presented by Joseph Pease. Recently it has become defunct and virtually derelict.

The new fountain is now expected back in the next few weeks. Lost Art is also well into reconstructing the main gates to the park and these are expected back next month.

Hirst Conservation, from Lincolnshire, is also soon to start cleaning the stone monuments in the park, including the 1876 sundial.