Restored time ball to be removed for more repairs

A time ball is to be removed for repairs two years after £400,000 was spent restoring it.

The golden sphere on the clock tower of Hull’s Guildhall is supposed to drop at 13:00 each day and was traditionally used by ships to set their clocks.

It was broken for more than a century before being refurbished in 2023.

Hull City Council said the work is being carried out by original contractor Smith of Derby with no additional cost to the council.

The 7st 8lb (50kg) ball stopped working again in March this year.

Paul Litchfield, from Smith of Derby, said the mechanism that controls the rise and fall of the ball was “highly complex”.

“It’s important to note that all components of the time ball were thoroughly tested prior to installation,” he said.

“However, it is extremely difficult to fully replicate the stresses and strains the structure experiences once exposed to the real-world effects of temperature fluctuations, weather, and coastal conditions.”

It dates back to 1918 and is covered in 23.5 carat gold leaf. Prior to the restoration, it was last used in 1922.

The ball will be removed on Sunday and Lowgate outside the Guildhall will be closed to traffic from 08:00 to 16:00 BST.

Council leader Mike Ross said: “It is disappointing that the internal parts have failed, causing the time ball to stop working.

“However, the council is committed to ensuring this historic feature is restored to full working order.”

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Click here, to download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad.

Click here, to download the BBC News app from Google Play for Android devices.