AUGUST is always a traditionally quiet period for journalism but one story caught my eye this month, and it surprised me how much people actually cared.

I’m talking about Big Ben being silenced to allow repair work to begin - more specifically, the backlash.

Don’t get me wrong, it is an iconic building, a famous sound, and the fact it is being silenced for four years was definitely newsworthy enough to be reported on. But what bothered me was the fact it caused a political furore that is still rumbling on a week after being silenced.

National newspapers campaigned for a reversal on the decision, highlighting the silencing was the longest period in Big Ben’s 157-year history, while MPs queued up to have their say.

At one point I heard a debate on a radio station, with furious callers saying it was a comforting sound which should not be stopped for that long.

Seriously, this went on for more than an hour.

Eventually Prime Minister Theresa May waded in saying it “can’t be right” that the historic bell would be stopped until 2021, while opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn played down the significance of the issue saying it was “not a national disaster”.

I must admit, I’m baffled it is even being debated.

Remember part of the reason it is being silenced is for the safety of the health and safety of those involved in the repair work.

Remember also that the proposal to restore the Elizabeth Tower - the home to the bells - was signed off way back in 2015, by several committees and speaker John Bercow.

Plus it is not the first time Big Ben has been silenced - the most recent being only in 2007 - and the plan is still for Big Ben to chime for major events such as New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Sunday.

And yet now we have had to listen to a ridiculous, London-centric debate. Some of the suggestions included why don’t they broadcast a recording of the chimes on a loud speaker?

Trust me there are more important things to care about than this nonsense.

It is not forever, the chimes return in four years’ time, why not use that time to become opinionated and concerned on issues that really matter?

Quite simply, it is time to get a grip.