TIME is re-starting at Yeadon Town Hall with the installation of a new working clock on the building's impressive tower.

New clock faces are being put in place this week as part of the restoration of the building.

Local people are being invited to get involved by coming up with a name for the new clock.

Yeadon Town Hall has been undergoing extensive renovations for almost two years, with 2020 providing an unexpected opportunity to progress with restoration work as the cultural hub closed under COVID-19 restrictions.

The Victorian building has been given a new lease of life since being taken over by a community interest company in April 2019. Improvements include a brand new Town Hall Tavern, refurbished first floor, including the main auditorium, redecorated Airedale and Wharfedale rooms and revamped backstage areas.

In a statement last week Yeadon Town Hall CIC said: "Now the time has come for the iconic Clock Tower to be restored at long last. On Wednesday 20th January at 10am, three new clock faces will be delivered and fitted. The original clock faces were completely worn out, but its original mechanism will still be in place. However, the weights now have electric winders so someone doesn’t have to wind it back up every three days as before.

"The Town Hall team is delighted to be providing the Yeadon community with a working clock once again.

"The clock faces will be delivered by crane, providing somewhat of a spectacle for any budding local historians or those with an interest in architecture, following all COVID-19 safety measures, of course."

To celebrate the momentous occasion, Yeadon Town Hall is involving the whole community by asking people to suggest a new name for the clock. The team hopes to get local people involved and generate positivity during the UK’s latest lockdown.

So far suggestions include William Hill,Yeadon Town Hall’s original architect, Richard Hogg, the builder of the Town Hall, and local thespian and panto legend Arthur Lawson. John Middleton Peate has also been nominated, as the clock and bell were erected in his memory by his parents Joseph and Ann Peate following his death in 1879 at the age of 12.

Jamie Hudson, CEO at Yeadon Town Hall, said: “We understand there’s not a lot to look forward to at the moment, but we’re certainly excited to see Yeadon Town Hall’s clock ticking once again this month. Who knows what its name will be - let’s hope the community won’t choose Clocky McClockface.”

Visit https://www.yeadontownhall.co.uk/name-our-clock for more information about the restoration project, and to submit a suggestion for the clock name.