A LANDMARK clock which has failed to keep time for many years has finally been set right.

According to local memory, the Market Place Clock, on the tower of St Nicholas’ Church, in Durham Market Place, was previously altered manually every day by a man whose job it was to do just that.

However, he retired many years ago – leaving the Victorian-era timepiece, which is the responsibility of Durham County Council rather than the church, to tick to its own, rather confusing, rhythm.

As local councillor David Freeman put it: “Durham didn’t know what time it was.”

But the clock, made in 1871 by Dents of London, has now been corrected – thanks to a pendulum regulator installed today (October 30).

The scheme was paid for with £2,100 from Coun Freeman’s council-allocated neighbourhood fund.

It is now expected to keep time correctly, although it will have to be manually adjusted for British Summer Time.

“This is the only clock in the city,” Coun Freeman said.

“I don’t wear a watch so when I’m out I need to know what time it is. That’s difficult in Durham.”

Janet Murrell, a city resident who campaigned for the clock to be corrected for many years, said: “When visitors come to Durham, they meet in the Market Place. Then they see the clock running slow. It’s important it’s right.”

Vicki Mellor-Smith, curate at St Nicholas’ Church, said: “St Nic’s is quite excited about it.

“We’re the church in the Market Place and it means a lot to the community that the clock’s right.”