THE return of a historical bell to Portishead has been delayed.

The bronze bell, which weighs around two tons, used to hang in the lighthouse at Battery Point. It became redundant after being replaced with modern technology and was removed more than 10 years ago.

In 2010, two residents campaigned for it to be returned to its home town, to be placed on public display as part of Portishead’s history.

The town council agreed to fund the project and allocated a site in Wyndham Way, on the approach to the High Street.

Installation on a specially built plinth was set to be completed by the end of the year but work has now come to a standstill after contractors preparing the foundations uncovered a sewer.

Councillor Reyna Knight said: “The whole project seems to have been fraught with problems, but there is no doubt it will eventually be a lovely feature.”