Calls to restore Sun Clock Tower after it is saved from demolition

Lyn Smith, who has lived in Watford all of her life, now believes the Sun Clock Tower should be restored.

Following more than 200 objections, Watford Borough Council officially refused permission yesterday to knock down the locally listed tower in Ascot Road, because of its "historical significance".

The decision has been welcomed by residents across the town, who are now wondering what lies ahead for the building, which over the years has fallen into disrepair and is even missing its clock.

Sun Clock Tower. Credit: Google Maps

Ms Smith, 58, says "printing is in her blood" having worked at Odhams and TV Times Magazine. Her office was at based at Sun Printworks in Whippendell Road, before the company relocated to London.

She said: "The Sun Clock Tower is one of two remaining reminders of Watford's history as a print town. The other building is the Odhams Clock Tower in North Watford.

"Both remind us that the print industry used to be the major employer in the town. There are still many people who either worked in the print or knew someone who did and feel strongly that the clock tower should not be demolished."

The tower, built in the 1930s, was used as a pumping house to pump water to the boiler house and then to the presses.

Ms Smith added: "It is excellent news that the planning application has been refused by the council. I can only hope that this bodes well for any future plans to try and knock it down. It's about time the building was restored and permanently protected."

Read more: Historic clock tower saved from demolition

Sun Clock Tower

With the area around the clock tower under major redevelopment, there have been calls in recent weeks to preserve the clock tower and potentially relocate it within any new developments that are built in the area.

Local councillor Nigel Bell, who had called for the preservation to the tower, said today: "I welcome the decision on the Sun Clock Tower. We now need to work on a plan to keep the tower and restore it, and its great that so many residents joined in the campaign to save it as it is so important for our town's heritage."