CONCERN is growing about a town clock which has fallen into disrepair.

It is a dream of many to see Redcar's clock restored to its Edwardian glory, but the extent of any facelift depends on how much money can be raised to secure its future.

Vandals broke into the tower and damaged the arms that link the motor to the dials on the face of the King Edward Vll Memorial Clock, in December 1998.

Workers have not been able to attempt repairs because of the tower's unsafe interior.

The safety officer of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council says the tower must remain out of bounds until safety work is undertaken.

His call comes in a council report and follows an inspection of the tower.

The report, to be considered by councillors next month, reveals that the external access ladder to the loft hatch and the hatch itself are in a poor condition and the clock tower is open to the elements and pigeons, which have left extensive droppings.

A structural survey found concrete on the outside of the tower had eroded and its steel reinforcements rusted, with repairs urgently needed.

It is expected that the council will apply for heritage grants and National Lottery money to restore the clock and tower.

The council's leader, Councillor David Walsh, said: "It is one building that people in Redcar tend to see as special to the town. It's important as a landmark.

"If we allow it to deteriorate, we could lose it in years to come. A clock tower which has not got a working clock is clearly a nonsense."

Coun Walsh said he would like to see the tower restored to its former glory.

Estimated costs of £60,000 would include replacing an iron gate and screens dismantled during the Second World War, restoring the clock's movement, bell and striker mechanism, and finials missing from the pinnacles on the tower.

A lightning conductor would also be installed.

The council's problem is it only has £1,750 earmarked in its general budget for public clocks.

Redcar businessman Peter Sotheran said: "The town clock is as an essential part of the character of the town as the priory arch is to Guisborough and Huntcliff is to Saltburn."