The council is also expected to appeal for help to fund the repair of the church’s lych gate.
So far, the council has pledged several thousand pounds towards the clock tower repair costs and lych gate work but is now hoping to get residents’ help to raise the remaining funds.
Town clerk Melanie Bickell, said: ‘The collapse was due to the failure of the decayed south-west strut which supported the tiled roof. The clock tower was insured but there were two restrictions to the cover. These being damage due to war or rot. Sadly, a claim cannot be made against the insurance as the damage was caused by decay.
‘We have set up a Fundraising Committee to look at ways that we can fill the gap in the funding. The appeal will concentrate on local businesses including housing developers and the local population.
‘An Outline Schedule of Repairs has been prepared which includes numerous repairs to the structure which should stop future water ingress and preserve the clock for many years to come.’
North Tawton Town Council has already looked into other ways of gaining funds for the repairs and applied for National Lottery Heritage Fund earlier this year.
However, this was turned down as the lottery felt it would not achieve its requirements – to engage a wider range of people with heritage – well enough to justify a grant.
Initial research suggested that North Tawton Town Council was not obliged to repair the canopy but this was later proved incorrect when West Devon Borough Council’s listed building control informed the council that if not repaired borough council officers would hand out a listed building enforcement notice.
Further debate raised the question of whether the town council could apply to change the requirements of the listed building status but borough council officers also informed the clerk that the council was unlikely to be granted permission for the permanent removal of the roof skirt as it is considered a key element in the design. Removal of listed building status was rejected.
According to Section 8 of the Local Government Act 1894, under which the clock was gifted to the town council in 1897, all maintenance and repairs must be done ‘at the cost of the ratepayers’ and the council has considered applying for a grant from the Durant Trust, a charity which was set up for the benefit North Tawton residents.
The clerk said that there was nothing that would prevent the council from applying for such a grant but suggested obtaining legal advice.
This year marks the 136th birthday of the clock tower which was erected in the town square by public subscription in 1887 at a cost of £130 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria on June 21 1887.