PLANS to repair the historic clock tower at Ulverston Railway station are recommended to be approved.
The tower was built in the 1870’s, with the station constructed in an Italianate style with a French pavilion.

The tower has provided a focal point within Ulverston ever since.

A full report into preserving the clock tower, has been lodged with Ulverston town council along with the district council, the county council and Network rail.

A report released ahead of a planning committee meeting shows stonework repairs and cleaning will take place including - clock face repairs using 'Opel,' perspex cast acrylic.

All framing and metal elements are to be retained in the process, with the existing paint removed and repainted to match current effect.

More involved works include - mortar repairs and repointing using lime mortar mix along with waterproofing of the clock tower roof are to take place.

The report stresses that 'natural tone windowsill repairs using like for like downpipe replacement to the southern elevation will be erected. Additionally like for like replacement of the existing timber door to the southern elevation will be undertaken and the removal of excessive vegetation surrounding the tower will take place.

The application to repair the famous clock tower was lodged by Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd of Manchester. Cumbria County Council gave its easement saying: "We have no objection to the proposed development, as it's considered that it will not have a material effect on existing highway conditions, nor will it increase the flood risk on the site or elsewhere."

The heritage assessment states: "The clock tower is considered to contribute to Ulverston’s sense of identity.

"Its height and dominance within the street scene makes a positive contribution to the local distinctiveness of the area.

"The repairs are minimal and shall retain the existing appearance of the clock tower."

Plans were put forward at this week Ulverston town council meeting and will now go up before South Lakeland District Council's (SLDC) planning committee on July 29.