The motion to move the clock was carried at Wednesday’s council meeting, with councillors Keith Hughes and Liz Seckold voting against the motion.

Councillors heard from businesswoman Judy Geary, who spoke for the clock tower to remain in its current location, saying it was sad to see the iconic clock tower not working.

“This is part of our history; everyone values the memorial. It is risky to propose moving it and if it is removed it may not be rebuilt,” Ms Geary said.

“The only damage it has suffered is from the lack of timely maintenance by Bega Valley Shire Council. It provides an important pausing spot for pedestrians and is therefore an important piece of infrastructure and slows down the traffic and deters large trucks at this intersection,” she said.

However, Mayor Michael Britten said the clock tower’s location wasn’t a place you went to in order to tell the time.

Councillor Bill Taylor said the council needed to bite the bullet and find a better location where the clock would be of more use.

However, Cr Hughes said it was “presumptuous” to suggest there was a more suitable place.

“If it’s broken, then it’s going to be broken wherever it is. For council to resolve to move it without getting community opinion is wrong. There is a strong case for leaving it where it is. It helps pedestrians to cross,” Cr Hughes said.

Councillor Kristy McBain asked if there were plans by landscaping consultants Spiire to move the clock. Group manager of planning and environment Andrew Woodley said examples of beautification had been shown with and without the clock tower.

The clock tower needed a new life, Cr Taylor said. “The clock was erected when Littleton Gardens was a paddock. It is such important monument and needs a more public and visible space,” he said.

Cr Seckold said it should definitely be fixed, but not moved given its iconic status.

A report will go to council following community consultation.

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