Opposition to the council’s resolution to relocate Bega’s iconic clock tower has found a worthy ally.
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A living descendant of Dr Montague Evershed – for whom the memorial clock tower was raised – has written officially to the Bega Valley Historical Society to express his wish it remain in place.
Brian Hudspeth is one of the great-grandchildren of Dr Evershed, working as a lawyer in Warilla.
In the letter, he said he had recently travelled to Bega “and noted there is now little traffic in the surrounds of the clock as the result of the building of the bypass”.
“In the circumstances I do not wish the clock to be dismantled and relocated as I believe that it is part of the heritage of Bega,” Mr Hudspeth said.
Mr Hudspeth is the Evershed family member who had previously noted to councillors in a letter he had no objection to the clock tower’s relocation if that was the action council pursued.
However, given recent developments and community outcry, the historical society approached him again, receiving a response dated May 19.
“The Bega Valley Historical Society believes that Mr Hudspeth’s views add further weight to the overwhelming public opposition to the proposed relocation of the memorial clock tower expressed from across the community and again calls on Bega Valley Shire Council to abandon its plan to interfere with the monument,” BVHS secretary Kaye said.
In a heated meeting earlier this month (BDN, 19/5) the council reaffirmed its resolution to relocate the clock tower, but only once further engineering reports were sought and traffic lights installed at the intersection of Gipps and Carp St.
The temporary reprieve was welcomed by the community, as was the council’s vote to seek funds to repair and maintain the clock in its current location, until such time as it is moved. Recent council surveys saw a 90 per cent or higher response in favour of retaining the clock in its present location.
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