'Spend that money on our NHS' – readers comment on calls to mark Brexit with Big Ben's chimes

There have been calls for Big Ben to chime at 11pm on January 31 to mark Britain's departure from the European Union. Picture: Pixabay

Gazette readers think that £500,000 to make a bell ring is a waste of public money and would rather see the cash go towards funding deprived communities and the NHS.

There have been calls for Big Ben to chime at 11pm on January 31 to mark Britain's departure from the European Union.

In an interview on BBC Breakfast, Boris Johnson said the Government was working up a plan to fund the costs - and the public may be able to "bung a bob for a Big Ben bong".

We asked in our Facebook poll: “With an estimated cost of £500,000 to make it happen, would you like to see the bells ring out to mark Brexit?”

More than 800 people took part in our online vote and 68% of readers don’t want to see Big Ben ring out on January 31, at 11pm.

Here’s what you had to say:

Jamie Buzzila Buzzeo said: “Nope. It would be a waste of money. Would rather do something else.

“Spend that money on our NHS, support for veterans and policing.”

Barbara Hall said: “Well we won't hear it up in the North let Londoners pay if they want to hear it.”

Pat Hodson said: “Would prefer the money to be spent on the NHS, homeless and helping those on Universal credit.”

Peter Guthrie said: “500K? A lot of deprived communities could benefit with that money.”

Leon Woods said: “Just have all the bells in the city ring, rather than interfere with Big Ben’s restoration.”