A CLOCK costing £30,000, with a colourful barometer feature, will mark the passing of time in an area of Southampton which is experiencing a renaissance.

The 20ft clock, with a matt stainless steel casing and a coloured acrylic temperature dial, will be placed in a prominent position on the corner of Thomas Lewis Way and Bevois Hill.

The timepiece will have three faces so it can be seen by motorists driving from all directions in the Bevois Valley, explained regeneration officer Chris Smith.

City planners gave the design the thumbs-up at the development control meeting yesterday.

Some councillors were concerned that the clock would distract and confuse drivers at the traffic signals.

But planning officers said they would ensure that the coloured scale, which goes from blue to red and lights up according to the temperature, would not interfere with the traffic lights.

Only one objection was received. The City of Southampton Society said it was concerned the clock would be a traffic hazard and would be targeted by vandals.

Planning officers said the height of the clock should make it difficult to vandalise.