The number may not yet quite be up for Shipley's clock tower as shoppers in the town give a show of hands for the landmark.

Most people interviewed in a Telegraph & Argus straw poll said they wanted the tower to stay where it has stood for the last 30 years as a symbol of the town.

And when asked what should replace it if the landmark had to go, residents said they would plump for a more modern clock to be erected in its place as an ideal millennium landmark.

Mary King, 80, of Shipley, said: "I think it's disgusting if they pull the tower down - it's been there for more than 30 years and I've got so many memories of it. It seems like they're always trying to get rid of traditional things. If it had to go, I'd like to see a more modernised version of the tower put up in its place."

Doris Johnson, 76, of Shipley, said: "I don't think it should go at all. It's a key symbol of the town and I think they should keep it and modernise it instead of replacing it with another landmark."

Geoff Barry, 42, a heating engineer from Wyke, said: "I think they should leave the tower because it's a landmark for Shipley. When I drive up Leeds Road, I always glance at the clock to see what time it is. Any replacement landmark would have to have a clock in it - they should modernise the existing clock and make it look more architecturally better looking."

Louise Toulmin, 17, a student from Baildon, said: "I think they should tear it down because it's old fashioned. But also I think it's a landmark and it should be replaced by a modernised clock tower."

Jonathon Holmes, 25, a mechanic from Shipley, said: "I don't think they should get rid of the tower. I remember it from being a kid and it would be a shame if it had to go.''

Muriel Waite, 74, of Wrose, said: "It's the first thing I look for when I come here and I use it to tell the time when I go for my bus. It's a symbol of Shipley.''

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