AN iconic town centre clock will tick once again after its stolen mechanisms are set to be replaced.

Police were called after thieves broke into Nelson town centre's 50 foot-high landmark clock and stole a brass block from inside the mechanism, two weeks ago.

Pendle Council learned of the theft after residents complained that the clock’s hands had stopped moving.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said Lancashire Clockmakers in Padiham were set to make a replacement part from scratch, costing £190.

He said: “We are perplexed as to why thieves stole the brass block because it wasn’t worth very much.

“It’s just caused annoyance for people who naturally look up at the clock to read its face.

“It’s very strange, however we expect the new parts will be in place by the end o f the week.”

The building, now an Abbey bank, was first built in 1913 on the site of some small shops, including a hosier, a fruit shop and a fishmongers.

It was built 200 yards further back to widen the centre and reduce congestion problems.

It was originally owned by The Union bank and it became affiliated with the Barclays Group in 1919.

Cllr Eileen Answer, who sits on the executive board for tourism at the council, said: “It is diabolical that someone could stoop so low as to steal the innards of from one of the oldest buildings in Nelson.

“It is a sign of the times if someone has to do something like this.

“I’m guessing they’ve done it for the weighted value of the metal.

“It’s a waste of tax payers money and it’s an expensive replacement which the council shouldn’t be spending.

“I hope those who did it are found and punished appropriately.

Police said they had been made aware of the incident and urged anyone with information to call officers on 101.