Police have launched a second appeal for witnesses after a person climbed Machynlleth's clock tower and “manhandled” the clock hands.
Dyfed Powys Police launched an appeal for information after the incident, in which a person climbed the scaffolding around the historic town centre structure.
The incident occurred on October 8 between 2am and 3am, and saw the person move the clock hands, causing damage to the mechanism.
The damage followed a lengthy appeal to repair the clock mechanism, with work costing around £60,000 being carried out to restore the clock to working order.
In 2024 the clock will be celebrating its 150th anniversary. Machynlleth councillors and residents were hoping to see the clock back to working condition for the first time in three years.
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Following the incident, Machynlleth Mayor Jeremy Page said: “A member of our community climbed up the clocktower and manhandled the clock hands.
“This has resulted in the clock displaying the incorrect time and most probably causing damage to the refurbished mechanism.
“We now have additional costs simply to check the mechanism and reset the hands and possibly significant repair costs. I am sure you share our disappointment and frustration in this matter.
“The police have been informed and we have been given information as to who the culprit is and who filmed the incident. It would be preferable for this person to come forward and contact us directly before we go fully down the legal route.
"The cost of refurbishment is already around £60,000 and has taken over three years to resolve. Whilst we have been fortunate to attract a grant towards the works the larger part has been paid for by local taxpayers. Any extra costs will unfortunately be fully borne by taxpayers."
The 24-metre-tall clock tower, which stands on the intersection of the A487 and the A489, was constructed in July, 1874.
Police are encouraging any witnesses of the alleged incident of criminal damage to the clock to come forward to help with the investigation.
Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation can report it to Dyfed Powys Police online at https://orlo.uk/lR3n8 or by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.
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