A symbolic part of Guiseley’s industrial past is to be given a new home in the town.

The factory clock from the old Crompton Parkinson building is set to make a return and is expected to be unveiled in March.

It is the only remnant of the factory after the 15-acre site was cleared to make way for a housing and office development.

The 1920s clock was saved after a request to the developers to preserve it.

Leeds City Council has agreed to pay for the refurbishment and repairs of the clock tower and to its installation in the recently-opened Netherfield Road Car Park.

The clock has been in storage since Councillor Latty, ward member for Guiseley and Rawdon, campaigned to save the clock when the factory was demolished in 2006. He was there to see it handed over for refurbishment last week to Smith of Derby, the clock’s original manufacturer.

It was agreed to put the repaired clock tower in the car park to create a landmark and it will take pride of place on a 36ft high purpose-built tower.

Councillor Latty said: “This scheme will create a striking landmark for the town and a permanent link to its industrial past. We are now taking one step closer to completion with the refurbishment of this much-valued clock. I am delighted to have been involved in this project and I am very happy that we are pressing ahead towards completing the works. I am sure that the people of Guiseley will be happy that we are now well on the way towards reinstating it.”

Originally fixed on top of a tower, the timepiece was carefully taken down and positioned on iron girders as the developer, St Modwen Properties, began clearing the plot for 200 homes and 25,000 sq ft of offices and industrial workshops.

The developer agreed to give the clock to Guiseley and it was moved for safe-keeping to a council depot in Yeadon.

It’s new pride of place will be just yards from where it use to stand.

Coun Latty described the clock as a “nice piece of architecture in its own right” and many people had wanted it to be preserved.

Aireborough Civic Society have given their backing to the scheme to preserve at least a part of Guiseley’s industrial heritage.