The Stirling Council Wrecking Ball Facebook page has announced a demonstration at the remains of the Christie Clock on Saturday, May 11 after it was demolished in September due to structural concerns.
The page states that they hope to have a press photographer with the idea that it would be a brief meeting for support, and to “show the powers that be that we are not satisfied with their performance so far and that the clock needs reinstated”.
An event has been created on Facebook for noon on May 11. It states that there are will be no speakers, but dogs and homemade banners are welcome. So far, 89 people are interested in attending, with locals dismayed that not more has been done by the council.
One resident commented online, saying: “It is irritating that as residents of Stirling we need to turn up at the Christie Clock to show our frustration to Stirling Council.”
Another said that they wouldn’t be attending as the situation is still too raw and emotional for them.
This event comes eight months after the 117-year-old clock was demolished in Port Street after recommendations from engineers undertook emergency work removed the head and the pillar.
The decision caused local uproar with residents displeased with how the council handled the situation, specifically with the fact that there was no warning of the removal and also done late at night.
A month later, the council announced that there were, in fact, plans to rebuilt the clock. They stated: “Specialist consultants will now identify and decide the most appropriate conservation and rebuild process for the structure before a detailed cost plan and work programme is presented for Council for approval before the end of March 2024.”
However, in March 2024 it was reported at a council meeting that the bill for the repairs would cost £873,000 with a £100,000 contingency allowance.
That being said, there is no budget for the work and borrowing money for the project is being considered. The council did outline a timeline laid out across three phases with each one lasting between 24 to 29 weeks, but with no mention on when this may be.
The council has not commented on the demonstration plans.
Featured Image Credit: Stirling SNP