Day Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Big Ben's bongs could fall silent if repairs costing up to £40m are not carried out, politicians have warned.The Great Clock's hands, mechanism, pendulum and Elizabeth Tower need refurbishment, and failure to do so would cause "reputational damage", a cross-party report found.It has been 31 years since its last overhaul.A parliamentary spokesman said: "No decisions on works, timescales or costs have been agreed." In its report, the Commons Finance Committee said problems had also been identified with the 156-year-old clock's tower, including cracks in the masonry. Upgrades were also needed to bring the building in line with health and safety regulations, it said.The report, seen by the Mail on Sunday and Sunday Times, said: "There are major concerns that if this is not carried out...the clock mechanism is at risk of failure with the huge risk of international reputational damage for Parliament."In the event of a clock-hand failure, it could take up to a year to repair due to the scaffolding needed."'A little fit'Officials said it would cost £4.9m "to prevent the clock from failing", but the report states the "full refurbishment" would cost £29m.The addition of a visitor centre at the bottom of the tower, and installing a lift to the top could see the cost rise to £40m.The parliamentary spokesperson said: "Committees of both Houses are currently considering the study."In August, Big Ben made headlines when the bongs lagged behind by six seconds, causing interruptions to BBC Radio 4, which broadcasts the sound live.At the time, clocksmith Ian Westworth said the clock "does have a little fit every now and then" due to its age.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-34565724 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mozza Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mostyn6 Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 be cheaper to drop a digital clock over the front of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phoenix Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 be cheaper to drop a digital clock over the front of it.My thoughts, too, but don't tell Cisse! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RamNut Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 £29m is nothingandy carroll cost more than that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boycie Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Take some money out the congestion charge and other charges that they put on people.tax the film companies more who use the capital as a back drop.charge the overseas visitors 10p to cross the bridge to view it.sack a few Tory advisors.just a few ideas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted October 18, 2015 Author Share Posted October 18, 2015 I just wrote a ******* brilliant rant about politicians, hit submit reply and lost the lot, server area, what a **** forum.The jist of it was, if you want to keep the clock cut the politicians expenses, make them use 1 kitchen in 1 house like the rest of us, live outside London? fine get a train, you're supposed to be in it for whats best for this country, your wages are not best. 150k a year for Cameron who gets a free house anyway! ****** to him, 50k a year, plenty that, hell of a lot more than the rest of us plebs whacking out 20% tax.Makes me laugh all these political party fanboys, running along to tick a box for some tosser to get power and a 2nd kitchen, arguing with each other over complete and utter drivel that they all come out with. **** em all and the £40m clock, Give me a month I'll get plans for a new one drawn up from scratch, I'll even whack a public hotspot in there and a better chime for under £1m, and that's lining my pockets as well just like those rich boys are doing down in the capital. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boycie Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 I don't fancy your designs on a new one tbh Daveo.it'll no doubt be shiiiiiiiiiitttttteeeee arhhhhhhhhhh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cisse Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Get it fixed whatever the cost. The damn clock is pretty much the only reason to travel to London anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted October 18, 2015 Author Share Posted October 18, 2015 I don't fancy your designs on a new one tbh Daveo.it'll no doubt be shiiiiiiiiiitttttteeeee arhhhhhhhhhh!It's alright, I'll just act like a politician, **** what you think, fecking plebs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted October 18, 2015 Author Share Posted October 18, 2015 Get it fixed whatever the cost. The damn clock is pretty much the only reason to travel to London anyway.Clearly a man that's never visited Soho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ossieram Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Could be good for Smiths of Derby and keep a few locals in work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boycie Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 Could be good for Smiths of Derby and keep a few locals in work.I'll second that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ossieram Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 I'll second that.I'll see if I can get a job with them and give them a hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boycie Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 If I went there as supervisor, I'd make sure the place ran like................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mafiabob Posted October 18, 2015 Share Posted October 18, 2015 I'm more bothered the fact that they say £7 BILLION is needed to keep Houses of Parliament from ruin.... Build somewhere else. I'm sure a few polish builders will oblige... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted October 18, 2015 Author Share Posted October 18, 2015 I thought you was joking, then I Googled it andhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/19/parliament-restoration-7bnSorry for not reading it all as it's late and if I did I'd be shouting **** of to my screen and waking the neighbours.7 billion? absolute tossers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cisse Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 Clearly a man that's never visited Soho.You got that right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted October 19, 2015 Author Share Posted October 19, 2015 They would love your cowboy boots round there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cisse Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 My boots are loved everywhere. And so am I. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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