One of the town’s most recognisable sounds has not been heard over the last six months – possibly due to bad weather.

We reported at the start of the year how Sheerness clocktower had stopped chiming every hour.

Its bells haven’t rung since 11am on Friday, December 21, when the landmark sounded over and over again.

That was the exact time and date the ancient Mayans had predicted the world would supposedly end.

A spokesman for Swale council, which is responsible for the tower, said they have been told by Public Clocks, the company which is contracted to maintain it, that the strike mechanism is being tested.

It is thought the system is being affected by damp and poor weather.

The spokesman added: “Measures have been put in place to protect the mechanism and it will be monitored to determine if this is a suitable.

“It is hoped it will be put back into place by the end of next week.”