A FAMOUS clock tower within the Britvic factory site in Widford will be preserved according to Chelmsford Council bosses.

An application will be made by the authority for the structure which has iconic status in Chelmsford to become a listed building.

As reported by the Weekly News on January 30, the factory is set to close down in mid-March bringing to an end the soft drink firm's 150 year link to the city.

Council leader Roy Whitehead said: "While we continue to develop the city for the 21st century, it is important to retain icons like the Britvic clock tower which remind us of our heritage.

"I have already asked officers to apply for listed status for the tower and look forward to a constructive meeting with the company next month."

A campaign had been set up recently to save the clock tower built 50 years ago from being lost.