Arcade clock to chime again

The 105-year-old animated clock at Leeds Grand Arcade, in the city’s Northern Quarter, is to chime again for the first time in decades after a major restoration.

The revival of the famous Wm Potts & Sons of Leeds clock, which sits above the arcade’s Vicar Lane entrance, has come after months of fundraising by traders with outlets at the Victorian arcade’s Handpicked Hall. The additional help of shoppers, and donations from ATC Properties and Leeds Trinity University have allowed for a £10,000 mechanical overhaul to take place. The ultimate aim is to raise £25,000 to fully restore and repaint the historic timepiece. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Tom Murray, will unveil the newly working clock on December 4.

Anthony Blackburn, managing director at Handpicked Hall, said: “We think this is a great way, ahead of Christmas, for people to come back to the Grand Arcade to see the clock in its former glory.”

PICTURE: Paula Brown/ www.ollievision.co.uk