A GROUP of volunteers are now ready to present their plans to restore one of Ruthin’s landmarks.

Ruthin Town Clock (otherwise known as the Peers Memorial) is the focal point on the town’s square but questions about the condition of the structure have been raised over the years.

At the end of 2020, a committee of local volunteers was formed with the sole intention of carrying out some restorative works to the clock to preserve it for future generations.

Now, a community exhibition on the works will be open 10am-4pm every day at the Old Courthouse up until Sunday, September 19.

The display will then be moved to the foyer area at Ruthin Library and will remain there until October 2.

There will be a questionnaire for people to fill in with their feedback for the volunteer group in charge of the project.

Committee member Councillor Anne Roberts said: "The committee would encourage everyone to go and see the clock for themselves, before or after seeing the display so they can form their own opinion and give feedback when they see the plans.

"Of course, we are mindful that this task of making plans is only the first part of the project, with funds still needing to be secured to undertake the work Elinor (Gray-Williams, project architect) has identified to the clock structure."

The town clock was built in 1883 as a memorial to Joseph Peers – a local man who was Clerk of the Peace in Denbighshire for over 50 years in the mid 19th century. It was designed by the prominent Chester architect John Douglas and is now registered with Cadw as a Grade 2 listed building. The clock is owned by Denbighshire County Council.

Committee chair Fiona Gale added: "Our sole intention is to restore the clock to as close as possible to its condition when it was built – not to change the clock in any way."

The committee at the start of 2021 secured funding from Clocaenog Windfarm Fund, Denbighshire County Council and Ruthin Town Council to appoint a Conservation Architect to draw up a programme of works to the clock.

The architect appointed was Elinor Gray-Williams, based on her extensive knowledge and experience in the field. Elinor had previously worked on numerous prominent restoration projects in the past such as Portmeirion, Caernarfon Town Walls, the buildings of the Bardsey Island Trust and Bangor Diocese to name only a few, and is currently working on a Conservation Management Plan for the Mediaeval Walls at Ruthin Castle.

Since her appointment, Elinor has been responsible for studying the clock’s structure in detail, and preparing a schedule of works to the building based on the problems she has found.

Fiona added: "Elinor has now completed these plans as well as cost projections for the works to be carried out so now comes the time for these plans for the restoration to be shown to the local community and general public."

Anyone wanting to find out more about the project or the community exhibition event, can contact: 1883cloc.k@gmail.com