Last updated at 16:54, Monday, 26 November 2012

WOULD-BE landlords can get their hands on a piece of Millom’s history – for the price of a semi-detached house.

MILLOM CLOCKTOWER

Agents have slashed the price of Millom Clocktower, in Market Square, to just £135,000 from £160,000 after failing to find a buyer.

In 2006, Thwaites-builder Clive Procter bought the town centre property for the bargain price of £61,500.

It was then bought by Gwen and Sean Fearon but was seized when they were declared bankrupt last year.

The three-storey building has acted as a council base, as well as a wedding venue-cum café but has stood empty for around 12 months.

It is hoped the buyer of the building will fix the iconic clock – which has been stuck at 7.40pm for more than two years.

Councillor Frank McPhillips, a member of Millom Town Council, said: “In 1995 the council at the time decided that they were going to move into the ‘one-stop-shop’ in St George’s Road but the building was left empty for years.

“We sold it by sealed bids and Clive bought it before selling it to her (Gwen Fearon).

“I’d say it’s good value for money, it’s on a great spot in the town. It’s an ideal venue for weddings and things like that.

“Hopefully the new owners will get the clock running again too.”

Councillor Audrey Gabbert described the price tag as “cheap”.

She said: “If I had the money I would buy it and put the council back there.

“A lot of councillors didn’t want to move but unfortunately the majority backed the move.

“It’s a lovely old place, if somebody responsible could come in the clock could be going again.’’

Hayley Donn, of Newton Street, in Millom, campaigned unsuccessfully for the clock to be fixed.

She added: “I think most of Millom would like to see the clock working again.

“Everybody says it’s an important part of the town’s heritage.

“Even though I know it’s not working I always look up at it, I just hope whoever buys the Clocktower fixes the clock. It would be nice to have it working again.”

First published at 16:17, Monday, 26 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk