IF YOU are hoping to catch a train on time you would be wise not to rely on the station clock and you might have noticed the clock has now been removed.

As previously reported for many years the clock at Basingstoke Railway Station has shown the incorrect time.

The matter had been reported to the company by frustrated passengers repeatedly in the past.

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South Western Railway (SWR) have also previously explained why it has never been fixed.

A Tweet sent more than two years ago informed SWR of the clock displaying the wrong time.

SWR replied to say: “In regards to the Basingstoke station clock I will get this faulted with the relevant team”.

However, more than two years later the clock has been removed for repair.

Another Twitter user said in February 2020 that they had raised the issue “months ago” adding: “Don’t hold your breath.”

A spokesman for SWR previously it is working with Network Rail to find a solution.

They added: “The clock at the front of Basingstoke station is exceptionally difficult to access, meaning maintenance has been problematic over the years. Since the clock stopped, we have been working with Network Rail to explore a safe way to inspect it and properly assess its condition.

“We are working hard to find a practical and safe route, with a view to repairing the clock as soon as is practically possible.”.

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Since then Cllr Paul Harvey, leader of the Basingstoke and Deane Independent Group posted on Facebook to confirm the clock is now under repair.

He posted: "Pleased to see Network Rail have taken the clock from the station away to be fixed, it'll be back when repaired."

This will be welcome news for many residents who are hoping to catch their train on time.

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