SIR — For several months, a popular landmark of the High Street has looked very sorry for itself.

I refer to the Town Clock, part of which has lost its face.

There is such a large gap on the side looking up to the Westgate, it is impossible to read the time.

During the summer months, tourists taking photos of the clock, must have wondered what has happened. In fact, a group of American tourists did ask me the reason for the disfigurement of the clock.

I answered, with tongue in cheek: “It is under repair,” but I would like to know the real answer.

Perhaps the city council could enlighten me and several others, who would dearly love to see the clock back in action in time for the Christmas festivities, on the problem concerning this famous landmark of our city.

Phil Yates, Tower Street Winchester.

Editor’s note: Liberal Democrat PPC Martin Tod raised this very question last week in a story published in the Hampshire Chronicle. Mr Tod said the city council has told him that repairs will be made to the clock.