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Historic landmark being knocked down
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The clock tower in market place is a historic landmark, but it is being knocked down as part of the government's 'beautification' programme in the area.
What a pity, what a shame.
This clock tower evokes memories of every kind, from the days when horse-driven carriages would use it as a stop, then on to the old Spanish buses that used to travel to and from La Linea and on to more recent times.
If we keep on destroying the past, the character of Gibraltar will be lost forever.
"The clock tower has no heritage value," said a Government spokesman yesterday.
Who measures heritage? Whether it has 'heritage' value or not, are there not other considerations that should decide what is refurbished and kept, rather than knocked down and destroyed forever?
If you want to destroy something, whether a building, a green area etc, just let it rot. And then use the excuse that it has deteriorated to a point that it is best got rid of. What feeble excuses, when what needs doing is to retain the original use and maintain and refurbish it to ensure it regains the pleasure of the past.
The Heritage Trust might as well not exist. It is a useless institution that serves no purpose, as has been shown time and again. Why don't they all resign, after all what is the point of it all?
Many will recall the almighty uproar when the old dockyard gates were knocked down. There is no uproar now. Is it that only military landmarks matter? Are civilian historic landmarks of no real consequence?
By the way, the clock itself - which is what does not work - is to be retained and placed in the building next to the clock tower that is being pulled down.
Thank God for small mercies...
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