CLOCK TOWER GATE
Following repeated acts of vandalism to the timber door of the Margate Clock Tower, Society stalwarts Lynda and Harry Smith suggested that a protective iron gate fitted to the stonework in front of the door should prevent further attack.
The idea was promoted to Thanet District Council and a subsequent meeting was held with Council officers. The proposition was welcomed and initial thoughts considered as to what form the gate should take. The design had to be appropriate and respect the Listed Building status that the structure enjoys.
Committee member Mike Thompson had in mind that St Saviour’s Church in Westgate featured a beautiful pair of wrought iron gates in front of the entrance door and that a single one of the same design would be entirely appropriate. Subsequently, having carefully measured up the clock tower door reveal, he drew up the design to scale and this was submitted as part of the required Listed Building planning application. The design was accepted and eventually we received the necessary Listed Building consent.
In the interim, the Society had found a suitable contractor who was able to provide a quotation for the construction and installation of the gate. Aided by financial contributions towards the project from the Mayor’s fund and from money that Thanet District Council (TDC) received from a Southern Water fine, plus contributions from Society members, sufficient funds were secured to cover the project’s cost, and the go-ahead was given for manufacture.
This was awarded to Stonaco Fabrications of Ramsgate who were enthusiastic about the project from the start and were most helpful throughout the process.
Once the gate was manufactured, a date was agreed for fitting and this was carried out on 14th November by staff members from Stonaco, who did a first-rate job. The result speaks for itself.
A period now must elapse prior to painting the gate to allow the galvanising to settle and cure and then the Small Works team from TDC will paint it black - the colour approved in the planning application.
