Burntisland could be without its iconic town clock for another year.
Fife Council is still trying to find the money to reinstate the B-listed clock tower at the Burgh Chambers, which was dismantled last autumn after cracks appeared in the masonry.
Councillor George Kay, who estimated the cost of the repair work to be in the region of £200,000, said securing funding could take time.
Mr Kay said: “Set aside is £50,000 for the purchase of materials, but this is only part and parcel of the overall sum that is needed.
“I have asked for a report to come back to the June ward meeting, detailing how we are going to be funding the balance of that money, which could be quite considerable. It is a challenge, but it’s something we can’t lose from the horizon.
“I’m hoping that by June we will have a favourable report, then hopefully the thing can be put back together again around October this year. Failing that, the work would not start until April next year.”
It was at first hoped the clock tower could be quickly repaired after cracks were discovered during a routine inspection.
However, when it was taken apart, a rusted iron hoop set in the middle of the stonework was found to have caused major damage.
Burntisland Burgh Chambers dates back to 1843 and until recent events the chimes had rung out every quarter of an hour, even during wartime, for a century and a half.
In 2010, the town was in uproar when the council silenced the clock chimes after just one individual complained the noise was causing sleep disturbance.
More than 1,100 people signed a petition calling for the bells to be brought back and, after months of debate, a compromise was reached where a quieter recording of them was played overnight.
Fife Council lead professional Ross Tulloch said: “Discussions are ongoing on the future use of the Burgh Chambers and we’re looking at various options for funding.
“Until this can be secured we can’t set firm dates for reconstruction.
“However we are committed to the rebuilding of the clock tower and have already provided previous funding to help with the purchase of certain building materials including stone work.”