Debate Continues Over Future Of Hove’s Floral Clock

A public consultation on the future of Hove’s Floral Clock has sparked criticism after failing to include an option to keep the landmark.

The clock, located at the top of Palmeira Square, has not worked for several years.

Brighton and Hove City Council launched a consultation earlier this year asking residents what should replace it as part of improvement plans for the area.

However, Conservative councillor Alistair McNair questioned why the council asked for views after initially suggesting the floral clock would be scrapped.

He said leaving out the option to retain it made residents feel the decision had already been made.

More than 3,000 people have signed a petition calling for the clock to be saved.

At a full council meeting, Labour councillor Alan Robins said the council was now exploring whether a new clock could be installed. He confirmed a specialist company had been asked to provide a price for fitting a replacement mechanism.

Other options being considered include a sundial, a sculpture or a mini tower clock. Any future design is unlikely to include the original carpet-style planting.

More than 1,100 people took part in the consultation.

Of those who gave a preference, nearly half supported installing either a traditional or modern sundial.