RESIDENTS are being urged to take one last look at an exhibit detailing plans to restore one of Ruthin’s most iconic landmarks.

Ruthin Town Clock (otherwise known as the Peers Memorial) is the focal point on the town’s square and questions have been raised for the past few years about the condition of the structure.

At the end of 2020, a committee of local volunteers was formed with the sole intention of carrying out some restorative works to the clock to preserve it for future generations.

The group is now urging residents to take one last look at the exhibit before it comes to an end on Saturday.

"Our sole intention is to restore the clock to as close as possible to its condition when it was built – not to change the clock in any way," stated committee Chair Fiona Gale.

"The community exhibition has been on display in the Old Courthouse (formerly Natwest) and is now in the Foyer of the Town Library on Record Street until Saturday, so would encourage everyone to visit before it ends."

The committee at the start of 2021 secured funding from Clocaenog Windfarm Fund, Denbighshire County Council and Ruthin Town Council to appoint a Conservation Architect to draw up a programme of works to the clock.

The architect appointed was Elinor Gray-Williams, based on her extensive knowledge and experience in the field. Since her appointment, Elinor has been responsible for studying the clock’s structure in detail, and preparing a schedule of works to the building based on the problems she has found.

The town clock was built in 1883 as a memorial to Joseph Peers – a local man who was Clerk of the Peace in Denbighshire for over 50 years in the mid 19th century. It was designed by the prominent Chester architect John Douglas and is now registered with Cadw as a Grade 2 listed building. The clock is owned by Denbighshire County Council.

"The committee would encourage everyone to go and see the clock for themselves so they can form their own opinion about the restoration. Of course, we are mindful that this task of making plans is only the first part of the project, with funds still needing to be secured to undertake the work Elinor has identified to the clock structure’ stated committee member Councillor Anne Roberts.

Ruthin Library’s opening hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday and Fridays 9.30am–1pm and then 2pm–5pm, Tuesdays 9.30am–1pm and then 2pm–6pm, and Saturdays 9.30am–12.30pm (closed on Wednesdays).

If anyone has any questions about the project or the community exhibition event, please contact the committee through the following email address - 1883cloc.k@gmail.com