The town hall clock

Text: an original contemporary report-style practice extract.

Residents gathered outside the old town hall on Saturday expecting the restored clock face to be uncovered. The protective cloth stayed in place, however. Strong winds meant that the high-reach platform needed to remove it could not be used safely. Some residents had complained about the cost of the restoration, but the council said this had played no part in the decision. A new date for the unveiling will be posted on the council’s website.

From the extract, identify one reason the clock face was not uncovered on Saturday.