'It's part of what makes Mitcham Mitcham' - Clock tower returns to town centre after restoration work

Mitcham Clock Tower, which was first unveiled in 1898 to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, has been undergoing restoration by specialist clock makers and engineers.

The spruced-up clock frame was returned to Fair Green on Wednesday afternoon without the clock, which is currently in the care of Bletchingley clock makers Gillet & Johnston and is expected to be returned in the next few weeks.

The original drinking fountain at its base is also to be restored this autumn and new electric lanterns will be fitted where gas lamps once lit the clock face.

Although always installed in Fair Green, the clock tower has been shifted around over its lifespan, first to an area alongside the Kings Arms pub in 1993 and then last year it was moved 55m south, to the west of Upper Green East.

The relocation forms part of Merton Council's Rediscover Mitcham development scheme, which also includes building a low wall seating surround around the tower, tree-planting, new shop fronts for some stores and a proposed bus lane running through Fair Green.

Councillor Andrew Judge, cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, said: "It is wonderful to see the much-loved clock tower being restored to its former glory and, like many, I am really looking forward to seeing the clock fully installed this autumn."

The clock tower in its previous location 

But heritage groups have expressed concern at the clock-tower's relocation.

Sandra Vogel, secretary of Mitcham Society said, "Mitcham people see the clock as an integral part of the town centre, and we are very happy that it is being refurbished.

"However, it will now be hemmed in by traffic and hidden by trees which is a great shame.

"Local schoolchildren will no longer be able to gather round it for important commemorations, and we think that is a huge loss to the local community."

Rediscover Mitcham: Merton Council's £6.2m redevelopment proposal 

The familiar landmark has been used as a focal point in recent years for Remembrance Day commemorations, community campaigns and school activities.

In its new location with a walled surround, it will no longer be possible for such large groups to gather around the monument.

Remembrance Day: A wreath-laying ceremony at the clock tower in 2010 

Tony Burton, of Mitcham Cricket Green Community & Heritage, said: "There's issues with the new location. For things like Remembrance Day it is now not going to be possible to congregate there. But it's good to have the clock tower back in Fair Green.

"It's a hugely important symbol for Mitcham. It's the image that accompanies stories about Mitcham so people think about the clock tower very fondly.

"It's a very important focus for the community. It's part of what makes Mitcham Mitcham."

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