The Clock Tower, a landmark in Brighton for more than a century, has been looking shabby and down at heel.
So it was welcome news earlier this year that work was about to start on a restoration of the structure.
Now it has been shrouded in scaffolding for so long, people are getting restless for a glimpse of the famous timepiece once again.
But time is standing still while experts try to recreate what the Victorians found simple - making a golden ball rise to the top of a mast every hour.
They want to be able to do this without reviving the noise that made the mechanism unpopular in Victorian times.
The Clock Tower was built to celebrate Queen Victoria's 50 years on the throne.
Let us hope the renovated structure is ready for our Queen's Golden Jubilee.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article