THEY are the sort of views that make you wish time would stand still.

And that is exactly what happened to the clock at Southampton's Civic Centre this week.

The landmark building is having its annual service but this year the project has gone further than usual and the actual tower itself is being examined.

Contractors have been abseiling down the exterior of the tower inspecting the clock faces and the concrete of the tower.

Others will be drilling holes inside the tower to take samples of concrete and the metal framework for examination.

A huge hoist is also being used to allow inspection of the exterior of the roof on top of the tower.

The clock was stopped at noon but normal service was resumed yesterday lunchtime.