The iconic clock is set to be switched off for four months
Our very own 156-year-old Big Ben could see its hands fall off if emergency repairs worth £29m aren’t carried out.
Officials warned that over £4.9m needs to be spent “to prevent the clock from failing”. The iconic clock is set to be switched off for four months too.
A report by the Commons Finance Committee pointed out that it’s been 31 years since repairs were carried out and that there are cracks in the masonry.
Failure to carry out repairs will lead to “reputational damage”, the report warned.
A parliamentary spokesman said: “No decisions on works, timescales or costs have been agreed.”
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.”
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