SOUTH Essex MPs are mourning the loss of the familiar peal of Big Ben as it fell silent for the start of a four-year revamp yesterday.

Prime Minister Theresa May and MPs across the political divide have criticised the lengthy programme of maintenance work on the historic bell, which epitomises the capital city.

Last week, Parliament said it would review the plans to silence the chimes for so long after the Prime Minister joined MPs’ outcry against the length of the work.

MPs gathered outside the Palace of Westminster to witness the event and joined the chorus of disapproval. Some were sceptical about the need for such a long silence from the big bell.

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, said: “As a member of the administration committee that approved the restoration of Big Ben we were certainly not made aware of the project going ahead over such a time period, so it was a great shock when, having been away from parliament for six weeks during the general election, we returned to find the it turned into a building site with scaffolding everywhere. The administration committee has not yet been re-formed but when Parliament returns in two weeks’ time many questions will be asked of house authorities.

“Big Ben is the most famous clock in the world and the Palace of Westminster is an iconic building. It doesn’t seem acceptable that the restoration of the clock project should take four years. Furthermore, while it is well understood that the sound of the bells ringing could affect workers’ hearing, it cannot be beyond the capabilities of technicians to come up with a plan to sound the bells electronically.”

Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois, said: “We will all miss Big Ben’s familiar chimes which are a part of our national life, but I find it difficult to believe that the work concerned will take over four years.”

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, added: “It is a shame that the famous bongs will not be heard again until 2021. It is important that the health of those working on Big Ben isn’t put at serious risk which is inevitable if the bell continued chiming.

“It is important to note that Big Ben will still sound for important events including New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Sunday.”

Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, said the bell was part of her daily routine. She said: “ I think it’s a shame that there wasn’t even the option of playing a recording considered. I have always found the sounding of Big Ben useful for judging my time at work, so I will miss it.”