Time stands still as jobsworths step in

It has been keeping time in the town for decades. But the showpiece church clock in Penkridge will now stay frozen in time - after health and safety bosses insisted it was too dangerous to wind it up and keep it ticking.

The hands of the clock, at St Michael and All Angels Church, have been stuck in the same position for the past two weeks.

And today church leaders admitted it could be 18 months before the historic clock, which overlooks St Michael's Square, can start ticking again.

Health and safety inspectors insist it is too risky for anyone to climb up the tower's ancient staircase to get to the clock and keep it working.

The inspectors said wooden steps put on top of the tower's original stone steps, which were worn down after centuries of use, were no longer safe.

The church is applying for grants of up to £150,000 to replace the entire staircase as well as to install new lighting and heating inside the Grade I-listed building, but said it could take at least 18 months before any of the cash was found.

Reverend Mick Williams said the staircase had been closed off, but bosses at the 13th century church were "on the case" to sort the problem.

"The health and safety authorities have said the staircase is unacceptable and it is a danger," he said.

"The church authorities said we are probably no longer insured for anyone to go up there after the inspector's comments, and told us to close off the tower until further notice because if someone falls down we would be liable."

He added that the church was planning talks with health and safety authorities to see if there could be a short term solution to fix a couple of the stairs so that it is acceptable for someone to go up and wind the clock ahead of the grant money coming through.

The clock tower was created in the 14th century and later raised to its present height during major rebuilding work that took place in the 1500s.

The clock is believed to date from the late 19th century.