Chiefs call time on pub's clock signs

Signs at an Evercreech pub commemorating the village's famous clock have struck the wrong note with Mendip planners.

Landlord Lee Carlton put up new signs outside the Bell Inn featuring the face of the village's much-talked about church clock face.

The church of St Peter's is famous worldwide for its clock, which misses out the number 10 – X in Roman numerals – but instead features two 12s – XII.

The clock was put in place for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

Legend has it that the alterations to the face were the work of a local nobleman as a way of overcoming his wife's strict instructions to be home on time.

His wife used to tell him to be home at 10pm and he thought he could get away with coming home later if there was no number 10 on the church clock.

The story is a very popular question in village treasure hunts.

And the clock is always a talking point and picture opportunity for visitors.

The clock is a focal point of the new signs, which are black with gold embossed lettering and won praise from the parish council.

But unfortunately Mr Carlton put the new signs up without the necessary planning permission.

Although he did then apply for retrospective permission through the correct channels, Mendip District Council has refused permission and the signs must come down.

Mr Carlton said he is bitterly disappointed with the council's decision and is going to appeal against it.

Mendip argues the signs are detrimental to the historic character of the surrounding Conservation Area and the setting of nearby listed buildings – and are therefore contrary to planning policy.

Three neighbours were consulted about the signs but Mr Carlton said he does not know if they objected.

"I don't think they would have – everyone was so full of praise. We had so much backing from the villagers when we put them up. It is very disappointing."

He said he did not think the council's policy held much water when there were so many unsightly plastic signs outside several buildings in the Conservation Area.

A council spokesman said there were no formal objections from residents. He said the council's decision was based on policy relating to Conservation Areas.