ONE of Deal's historic landmarks - the Timeball Tower - has been given a new lease of life for the 21st century.

The Deal Museum Trust is on the verge of taking over the seafront building and expects to open its doors to visitors this summer.

"This is happy news for the town," said former Deal Mayor Cllr Mrs Marlene Burnham, chairman of the trust.

Last year the tower was closed to the public and there were fears it would be sold, possibly becoming an exclusive holiday home.

Now it seems the trust will take on the lease and volunteers will work on a rota basis to open the Timeball in time for the Open Golf at Sandwich in July.

Cllr Burnham added: "We have waited a long time to reach this stage of the negotiations and this building is so valuable to Deal. The museum trust eventually will have its own building, incorporating the Timeball, but until then the tower will be our base."

The local council cabinet is recommending the Deal Museum Trust has the lease for the building, although the council will still be responsible for the structure and repairs.

It was also agreed £6,000 be given as a grant to the trust from the Sir Ernest Bruce Charles Charity, to be used to present new displays. Cabinet chairman Cllr Peter Wells said he was keen to encourage the trust to take on the Timeball, which was popular tourist attraction for Deal.

Deal Town Council is backing the changes with the promise of £3,000 in its 2003-2004 budget.