Big Ben almost entirely covered in scaffolding as repair work gathers pace

Repair work: Scaffolding begins to cover up Big Ben's iconic clock face
Jeremy Selwyn
Tom Powell13 October 2017

Big Ben was almost entirely covered in scaffolding today as repair work continues apace on the iconic 300ft clock tower.

The world-famous clock face was barely visible as metal scaffolding rose up above its hands for the first time.

The renovation project has caused controversy as it means silencing Big Ben’s bell for four years due to health and safety concerns for workers.

But the Commons has confirmed that the bells will still ring in the New Year and toll for Remembrance Day, as well as any other important national events.

Repair work on the London landmark is gathering pace
Jeremy Selwyn

Last month the estimated cost of the restoration work was doubled to £61 million after workers discovered how complex it would be.

A spokeswoman for the House of Commons said: "The commissions expressed their disappointment in the cost increases, and the unreliability of the original estimate.”

Big Ben's bell will still ring in the New Year
Jeremy Selwyn

In August, crowds gathered outside the Palace of Westminster to hear the final bongs from the Elizabeth Tower.

Hundreds of people watching from inside the parliamentary estate and outside its perimeter clapped and cheered as noon was struck.

Repair work on the tower is expected to take four years
Jeremy Selwyn

The 13.7-tonne Great Bell was last stopped for maintenance in 2007.

Prior to that, Big Ben was halted for two years in 1983 for refurbishment, but has been stopped on a number of other occasions since it first sounded in 1859.

Parliamentary officials have insisted workers' hearing would be put at "serious risk" if the bell continued chiming during the restoration.

They warned that those using the 100-metre-high scaffolding around the tower could also be startled by the 118-decibel bongs.

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