The beloved seaside landmark, a 50-year-old replica of a Victorian structure, has fallen victim to metal thieves. The clock tower, recently restored at a cost of over £37,000, was found with sections of its lead roof stolen on January 4th. This incident has sparked widespread dismay among locals and Facebook users alike, who have shared their love for the iconic landmark.
The landmark, built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, was destroyed by fire in the 1970s. Its restoration in 2025 brought it back to life, but now it faces a new threat. The Thanet District Council has reported the theft to the police, who are investigating and monitoring the area with CCTV. The damaged parts of the structure have been removed for safekeeping, with repairs expected to take place later in 2026. The cost of replacing the lead remains unknown.
One Facebook user, Nik Mitchell of Get Wild, expressed the sentiment of many: 'Such a shame that people have to destroy things rather than enjoy them.' Another commenter shared their personal connection to the landmark, recalling happy memories of sitting there with their children. Clinton Hill added, 'So sad to see it being vandalised.' This incident has sparked a debate about the importance of preserving public landmarks and the impact of theft on the community's sense of heritage.
