The estimated cost of fixing Machynlleth town clock has doubled.

Machynlleth Town Council recently received the architect’s report on the town clock, with repairs to the structure and clock workings estimated around £40,000.

In June, the town council estimated the total cost of repairs at around £20,000.

During last month’s meeting, on 29 November, a report from architects Geraint Roberts Associates was produced for councillors and is now in the public domain.

Councillor Jeremy Paige, who is currently volunteering as the proper officer and RFO after the newly appointed town clerk resigned, said the “repair work required to maintain the timbers and stonework is much more substantial than initially hoped”.

Cllr Paige added: “Help from the community in meeting some of these costs through equipment loan or works done will be organised, if possible, when a schedule of works is prepared.”

Cllr Paige said while the estimated cost of repairs has increased, the town council are hoping there “may only be a small increase in the precept” for next year.

He continued: “We have recently received the architect’s report on the Town Clock with repair estimates around £40k for the structure and the clock workings.

“We have prepared a robust forecast budget with these costs included and whilst the budget is still to be approved by councillors it is anticipated that there may only be a small increase in the precept as there are more households due to pay Council Tax than last year and the figure required is close to last year. We would be able to do this due to the excellent work of our new Finance Officer and long standing Plas Manager.

“If the precept was to rise significantly, we could place around £15,000 of the less urgent works into next year’s budget.

“Whilst works will start early next year some will need to be conducted without risk of frost so the project will take a while to complete. We are hopeful of community assistance but the project does not rely on it.”

In the June meeting, councillors discussed the potential for Willmott Dixon to support the project through community benefits scheme, but this has not been confirmed.

In 2024, the town clock will celebrate its 150th birthday.

The clock was built by the residents of Machynlleth to celebrate the coming of age of the eldest son of the Fifth Marquess of Londonderry, who lived at Y Plas. Charles Stewart Vane-Tempest, Viscount Castlereagh, turned 21 on 16 July 1873, but family bereavement put paid to the planned celebrations.

A year later, on 16 July 1874, the clock’s foundation stone was laid amid festivities. Public subscriptions raised enough money to build the clock tower.

A competition to design the clock tower was won by architect Henry Kennedy, from Bangor, and his design was built by local builder Edward Edwards.

The council resolved to include repairs to the clock in the budget for the next financial year.