Work has begun to get the iconic clock at City Hall ticking again.

The landmark clock has been out of action since the first weekend of 2011, when the hands came to a halt at 10.30.

At first, council bosses thought the cold weather had led to the lubricant in the timepiece freezing, but specialists who studied the mechanism uncovered major problems.

That means the clock is being completely stripped down and rebuilt at a cost of �13,000.

Specialist Norwich-based company Michlmayr Clock & Watchmakers is having to completely strip down the clock and rebuild it - at a cost of �13,000.

The company, which has established a national reputation, undertakes any type of work with timepieces – from fine quality precision watches to large public clocks.

The work started on Saturday and is expected to take about a month to complete.

The clock's hands, on the tower dating back to 1938, will be removed and the internal mechanism taken apart and cleaned.

The clock has had its fair share of problems over the years, but council leaders hope the latest work will solve them.

Alan Waters, Norwich City Council cabinet member for resources, performance and shared services, said: 'I'm pleased this is being done and City Hall's clock will soon be working again.

'The clock is one of Norwich's landmarks and a familiar sight to anyone who lives and works in the city.'

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