Larne: safety concerns and financial ‘constraint’ prevent return of bandstand clock
Safety concerns and financial “constraint” have prevented the return of the clock to the bandstand at Larne Town Park, councillors have heard.
The return of the timepiece to the rooftop focal point was highlighted by a public question at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council at The Braid in Ballymena on Monday evening.
The council responds to questions submitted by members of the public at each full meeting.
In response to a query regarding the return of the clock to the bandstand structure, interim chief executive Valerie Watts said: “The metal housing that used to incorporate the clock was removed a few years ago because it was actually structurally unsafe and would have put the public at risk if it were to collapse and fall.
“From records, the clock itself is redundant from the old metal frame from a number of years before this. Initially, it was intended to be replaced. However, after further investigation, the structural integrity of the roof itself was not sufficient in today’s standards to carry weight of a new clock and housing.
“No further work has been initiated due to financial constraint on priority spending in other essential service areas.”
In January 2023, councillors were told the clock in Larne Town Park had been removed to facilitate repairs as it is “rusted and corroded” and these were “on hold due to budget restrictions”.
Repairs to the bandstand were carried out in 2022 at a cost of £6,500 which included ceiling replacement and paintwork as part of the first stages of a £130k refurbishment of Larne Town Park and adjacent Chaine Park.
The previous year, the council said the parks would be upgraded as part of “a vision to restore the Town Park and Chaine Park to their former Edwardian glory”. Refurbishment of the tennis courts was also scheduled.
Proposals included new LED lighting in the Town Park at an estimated cost of £23,000. A new skate park opened at Larne Town Park in October 2024. The £220,000 investment was delivered through the council’s ‘Out to Play’ strategy which aims to enhance play facilities across the borough.
A toilet block including a Changing Places facility for disabled users was located adjacent to both parks.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter