Ownership of Foxdale’s most prominent landmark will transfer to the local authority.

The Victoria Clock Tower, which has been in government ownership for over 50 years was handed over to the commissioners last week.

The clock has been in the ownership of the island’s social services department since 1962 after the trust that previously owned it folded.

Geoff Gelling, chairman of the Patrick Parish Commissioners, said: ’We’re delighted and thankful to be the new custodians of this great asset, which is an historic emblem of the village.

’The commissioners are grateful for the work that’s already been carried out to refurbish the clock and tower, and now it’s in our ownership, we plan to get the face illuminated so it can be seen at night, enhancing this useful and attractive feature on behalf of the community.’

Mr Gelling also praised the volunteers who have created the clock tower community garden.

The clock was donated to the people of Foxdale by the Isle of Man Mining Company in 1901 and is thought to be the first memorial in the British Empire to have been dedicated to the reign of Queen Victoria after her death.

At the time of it being unveiled, the Peel City Guardian said it was situated in a location so that ’the clock could be seen from all points of the village in order to provide a much needed standard time to the inhabitants’.

The tower was designed by mine engineer John Nicholls and built using locally sourced stone.

Minster for the Department of Health and Social Care David Ashford said: ’’The handover of the clock tower to Patrick Commissioners has been in the pipeline for years so I’m delighted the transfer has at last been settled.

’I thank staff at the Department of Infrastructure staff for their superb job in refurbishing the clock.’