A LANDMARK village clock which has chimed hourly for more than 100 years has been placed on an overnight curfew.

The ban comes after a solo complaint to Oldham council about the 24-hour chimes at the Millgate Arts Centre, Delph.

Now, the council has paid £2,000 to fit a night time silencer which will ensure the clock does not chime from 11pm until 7am seven days a week.

The move comes just weeks after a furious backlash from villagers when the move to silence the ancient timepiece was first mooted.

Ian Shepherd, the arts centre chairman, said the resident had argued the clock bell was keeping him awake at night.

But after meeting representatives of the environmental health office and Saddleworth and Lees district partnership, he said: “Oldham Council have a duty to investigate noise complaints.

“If the noise constitutes a 'statutory nuisance' they have a duty to take enforcement measures. The bell does meet the legal definition to be considered as a statutory nuisance.

“The council own the clock and building but obviously wouldn't serve any enforcement notice on themselves, so a compromise needed to be found. Currently the clock has no facility to silence the bell at specific times.

“Anticipating what environmental health officers would say, I had previously approached another department within the council, requesting funding to carry out recommended maintenance and fit a night time silencer.

“The council agreed immediately to this request and I was able to instruct the contractor to proceed.

“The bell will remain silent until tomorrow (fri) then it will ring until 10pm, then stay silent until 8 am when it will chime again.”

He went on: “Millgate Arts Centre have agreed to provide the power to operate the silencer, and already do so for the clock face night illumination at winding mechanism.

“The council were very sympathetic to views of the community, but are limited on the courses of action open to them.

“I feel this is the best option available and welcome the substantial funding they agreed to achieve this compromise. Had funding not been forthcoming, the bell would have remained silent at all times.

“Oldham Council should be thanked for their prompt response to my request, and the way they have handled the situation.”

Mr Shepherd added: “I’d like to give a massive thank you for all the comments. I have been overwhelmed with reactions."

An Oldham council spokesman confirmed the clock will chime until 10pm then remain silent until 8am.