GAZETTE readers have been given the chance to decide the final design of a new landmark for the town.

The famous Thornycroft factory clock is set to become a fixture of the skyline again when it is mounted on the Thornycroft Roundabout - but how the restored feature looks is down to you.

This page features three designs that are under consideration for the plinth on which the clock will be mounted and bosses at Hampshire Museums Trust are urging local people to have their say on what they like or don't like about the designs.

The readers' views will prove crucial when a final decision is made on which design the famous clock is mounted on when it moves to the centre of the roundabout, subject to planning permission being granted.

Ian Smith, director of development at Hampshire Museums Trust, said: "We want the public to give us their thoughts and comments on the designs for the plinth.

"We want to know what they like, and what they don't like. The idea is to put the clock back in the hands of the public and the decision we make will be based on the reaction of the people of Basingstoke."

The clock, which stood on top of the Thornycroft lorry factory for almost 70 years, was rescued when the building was demolished in 1995.

Supermarket chain Safeway (now Morrisons), which acquired the site of the old factory, had the clock restored at a cost of £15,000.

It is now in full working order and the face lights up when darkness falls.

Smith's of Derby, whose staff restored the clock, drew up two of the designs under scrutiny. Local sculptor, Richard Farrington, designed the other in conjunction with Haddow Partnership Architects. This design is based on a grandfather clock and will be constructed of red brick.

Mr Smith is hoping to secure lottery funding for the £50,000 project. If that bid fails, the trust will ask local businesses for support.

The AA, which has offices in Basingstoke, is already involved, and is donating 300 yellow roses for planting on the roundabout as part of its centenary celebrations.

The closing date for comments on the designs is Friday, February 11. They can be sent directly to Mr Smith at Hampshire Museums Trust, Chilcomb House, Chilcomb Lane, Winchester, SO23 8RD or e-mailed to musmis@hants.gov.uk

The Gazette would also like to hear people's views on this subject. Anyone with a view should write to The Letters Editor, Gazette Newspapers, Gazette House, Pelton Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 6YD or e-mail editor@basingstokegazette.co.uk