While Bega Valley Shire Council held a listening post in Littleton Gardens the Bega Valley Residents and Ratepayers Association set up a public meeting just metres away.

Eighty-six-year-old Betty Koellner from Tathra was one concerned citizen providing feedback at the council listening post.

“Places like Tilba and Bodalla have kept their own identity so why can’t Bega,” Ms Koellner said.

“No councilor has the right to shift it because they are only there for a certain time then they move on themselves.

“The clock has been here all my like and my grandparents used to tell me stories about the doctor who they knew personally and I feel it is meant to stay where it is.”

Council’s manager of community culture and information Simon Schweitzer was on hand to talk with the community and said following the community feedback received there was still a possibility the decision to move the clock may be reconsidered by councilors.

“There’s no specific alternate site at this point so we’ll take the comments back and report it to council,” he said.

Meanwhile, at the public meeting a large number of concerned residents gathered in the gardens to share their views on the decision to move the clock and discuss the connection between history of a civic centre and a town’s sense of community.

Former volunteer civic centre gardener Marshall Campbell took to the microphone to share his concerns over council’s lack of transparency.

“Nothing was said to anybody about this decision,” he said.

“They need to start talking more to the public.”

The meeting became quite emotional at moments with people demanding answers.

“Where do we go from here?” yelled someone in the crowd.

Bega’s John Watkin responded by saying a motion would be taken to council.

“We call on council to rescind the decision and let the clock remain where it is now,” he said.

Bega Valley Residents and Ratepayers Association committee member Fraser Buchanan said he was concerned the clock was being moved due to potential developer interest rather than community interest.

“The people need to be consulted about how they want their town to go and whether you want these large developments that’s ok they’ve got to go somewhere but do it and consult with the people, be open and transparent about it,” Mr Buchanan said.

“I think the council has an opportunity to change their plans and to listen to the people so lets hope that they do,” he said.