The passage of time has taken its toll on one of Faversham’s best-loved landmarks.

The handsome Guildhall public clock in Market Place has become faulty and urgently needs fixing.

Now a programme of works by specialists to restore the 210-year-old historic feature has been approved by Faversham Town Council.

As well as getting it working properly again, its hourly striking bell - not heard for many years - will also be revived.

But neighbouring residents need have no fear of sleepless nights, because the aim is to have it silenced between 7pm and 8am.

Town councillor and heritage, buildings and creek committee member, Cllr Trevor Martin, recently seconded a motion by Cllr Peter Cook to approve the cost of the works from the chosen tender.

Cllr Martin says the clock is an important historic landmark for the town as well as serving a practical purpose.

“Everyone has mobile phones these days to tell the time these days, but I bet they’d be surprised how many times they glance up at it,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the clock has developed a fault and it’s no good to anyone if it’s not telling the right time.

“But when we had it inspected by a horological expert, it was clear it needed a major restoration which is very specialist work.”

Cllr Martin says they have a duty of care for the “wonderful” Grade II*-listed Guildhall, including its clock, made by town clockmaker Francis Crow who traded in Market Place.

“We won’t know the full extent of what’s needed, including making any new parts, until it is fully disassembled,” he said.

“But there is no question of replacing the wonderful original movement with a modern electric one because that would destroy its integrity.”

If any new parts are needed, the old ones will be kept and put on display.

“We don’t know how long it will take but hopefully, when it’s all done, it should be good for another 50 years,” Cllr Martin added.