Big Ben bongs to be silenced for months for 'urgent repairs'
Big Ben's famous booming bongs will be out of action for several months during urgent repair works, the House of Commons has announced.
A £29 million repair programme will be carried out on the Elizabeth Tower and the 157-year-old clock, from the beginning of 2017.
The repairs are expected to take three years, with the Big Ben clock set to be silenced for "several months."
The bells will toll and strike for important events, the spokeswoman added.
As well as repairs, a lift will be installed as an alternative to the 334 steps to the top of the tower to improve access and safety and the lights illuminating the clock dials and belfry will be replaced by low-energy LEDs.
Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake, spokesman for the House of Commons Commission, said: "The Elizabeth Tower is a symbol of the UK's democratic heritage and forms part of a Unesco World Heritage Site.
"We have a duty to ensure that it is safeguarded for future generations to appreciate, just as we owe it to our predecessors to restore their masterpiece to its former glory. While these works are much needed in the short-term, they will also ensure the long-term future and sustainability of Big Ben.