Council promises investigation in to shock demolition of historic city clock

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Stirling Council has promised to “rebuild and restore” much-loved city centre landmark the Christie Memorial Clock after it was torn down sparking fierce outrage.City residents had spoken of their shock following the removal of clock – a feature of the Allan Park area since 1909 – during the night on Friday,The crown, clock and column of the memorial – said to be structurally unstable – were removed with only the plinth remaining.Footage on social media showed crumbled stonework and the clock face in pieces.

In another video an excavator takes hits at the stone column eventually crushing it and the surronding scaffolding as an angry local shouts at workers.Now Stirling Council leader Chris Kane – who admits he shared residents shock at the “distressing” footage of the clock being pulled down – said the council’s chief executive Carol Beattie has called for an immediate investigation into the chain of events.He said: “The videos that circulated on social media over the weekend were distressing and I share the shock of residents at the way the Christie Clock came down.“The chief executive has commissioned an immediate review of the circumstances which led to the demolition following the identification of serious structural issues last Tuesday, August 29.“We received specialist advice which recommended that the clock be removed for off-site repairs, which was scheduled for Friday evening and, ultimately, led to the images we watched with such concern.“The council will work with all relevant external organisations throughout the review process.

The council recognises that this event has caused widespread concern and will immediately implement any recommendations made by the review.”He said the authority acknowledged and