Thornton Heath clocktower still not repaired six months after blaze

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Thornton Heath’s historic clocktower has still not been fixed – six months after it was set on fire by vandals.

The clocktower, which was built in 1900 to commemorate the new century, was damaged by a blaze in September, which tore through the roof and damaged the four clock faces “beyond repair”.

Croydon council is now finally due to start work on repairing the monument after insurance paperwork was finalised.

Croydon Mayor Jason Perry said work on the historic clocktower will now start “as soon as possible”.

He said: “Gillett and Johnson, the original makers, based in Croydon, will be replacing the clock’s original mechanism and mechanical workings, along with the four clock faces which were all damaged beyond repair.

“The wooden roof and ornate copper covering will also be rebuilt, and a new bespoke fireproof door will be fitted to protect the clocktower in the future.

“I look forward to this important monument being returned to its former glory as another step towards restoring pride in Thornton Heath.”

Councillor Karen Jewitt said she understood the delay caused by going through insurance and was looking forward to the clock being restored.

Emergency services were called to the fire at around 3am on September 29. It took the fire service around an hour-and-a-half to tackle the blaze.

At the time, police said the fire was started deliberately and arrested a 34-year-old man, who was bailed pending further enquiries. The force has been contacted for an update on the case.

Pictured top: Thornton Heath clocktower was damaged by a fire on September 29 (Picture: Callton Young)