THE FUTURE of Newport's festival clock is still being considered but it could end up back in its original home in Ebbw Vale.

Orginally bought for the Garden Festival in 1992, the spectacular clock with its moving figures later found a home in John Frost Square.

Many people would gather to watch it open, as it billowed smoke and various characters popped out.

But time eventually ran out for the artwork which was only designed to last for the six months of the Garden Festival.

It had to be dismantled and put into storage to make way for the redevelopment of John Frost Square.

The clock is also in need of major work to restore it to full working condition, estimated at more than £50,000.

Council leader Bob Bright told members yesterday it was in an advanced state of decomposition.

He added they had been looking for a grant so the clock could be refurbished but also revealed the owners of the festival site were interested in returning it to its original home.

"We are looking at a number of aspects," explained Mr Bright.

"Whether we can get help for the reconstruction and we then need to find a suitable location but if all else fails it seems we could consider the clock going back to the festival site and being restored to its former glory there."

The question of whether the clock should be saved has divided opinion with some people calling for it to be restored while others have questioned the cost of doing that.