'Tolkein' style gates for tower

10:58am Friday 23rd March 2007

A PLAN for ornamental gates at the base of the Clock Tower in North Malvern Road has been approved by the district council's southern area development control committee.

The grade II listed 19th Century building is being refurbished in a £1.2 million initiative to restore 14 water features around Malvern.

The Heritage Lottery funded project is being carried out by the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with Malvern Hills Conservators and other groups.

The new black wrought iron gates were approved despite objections they would be out of place.

Coun Tony Williams said the new gates would be reminiscent of Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings.

"I could take my grandchildren up there to see them," he said.

"We should enjoy a bit of contemporary art, and put something flowing and exciting in the tower."