A STANDALONE tower nearly 400 years old will eventually have a working clock again after permission was granted to fix it.

Consent has been granted by Bolton Council for structural repairs to remove, repair and reinstall the clock mechanism in the tower of the former St Savour's Church in Fold Road, Ringley.

The tower, built in 1625 and with clock faces on all four sides, was left on its own when the remainder of the old church was demolished after a new replacement church was constructed 150m away.

Among the work scheduled are masonry repairs and clock mechanism repairs.

Specialist firm, Smiths of Derby Ltd, will be completing the £30,000 repairs to the timekeeping pieces.

Historic England said in its advice to the council: "The proposal to undertake necessary repairs and conservation work to the Grade II Listed tower is welcomed in principle as an important part of its long term conservation and contribution to both national heritage and the local townscape.

"The removal, repair and re-installation of the clock mechanism will have little impact on the overall significance of the tower and represents positive and proactive work to keep the building in use."