Clock bell silence decision reaches national proportions

The decision to silence Newtown's clock tower bell between midnight and 6am each night after more than 120 years has reached national coverage following the lengthy debate.

The decision was taken by Newtown Town Council to silence the bell in the clock at The Cross in the town centre following complaints from businesses and visitors to the town.

Some accommodation providers said it was causing problems for residents staying in the town centre.

The town council, which has responsibility for the clock above the Barclays Bank, had considered the appeals to have it silenced at night after some businesses offered to pay for the costs of the equipment needed to do it.

And the decision to silence has even reached coverage in The Daily Telegraph, which said: "It has chimed “beautifully but loudly” every 15 minutes through day and night for almost 120 years.

"But the residents of Newtown, Powys have finally had enough of the constant tolling of the town clock's bells, and the town council has voted to silence them."

It is understood work will be undertaken shortly to silence the bell.