TIME has finally caught up with Bury's eye-catching Whitehead Clock Tower.

Since it was first built in 1914 the tower, which was a gift to the town from Henry Whitehead in memory of his brother and eminent surgeon, Walter, the structure, contained within its own gardens, has been a prominent landmark on the edge of the town centre.

Recently though council engineers were called in after one of the four pinnacles adorning the crown of the tower was found to be unsafe.

It was removed but further inspections have now revealed that the passing decades have not been kind to the Portland stone constructed clock tower.

The copper work and supporting timbers to the roof structure have been found to be severely decayed to the extent that they are beyond "economical" repair.

Now, the Council is faced with a major overhaul or rebuilding of the copper cap and pinnacles.

Specialist historic building architects have already been appointed and they are to carry out a detailed survey of the structure.

Council chiefs hope to submit a Heritage Lottery bid to obtain the cash needed to restore the building and surrounding gardens to their former glory.