The centrepiece to the overhaul of Sutton station and its surroundings, a £34,000 clock, has been unveiled – only to be quickly wrapped in bin bags.

The official reason behind the masking of the clock is that it has been scratched, though posts on social media have suggested the issue is its timekeeping ability is perfect – but only at noon or midnight.

The improvements, carried out in partnership with Transport for London, Network Rail and Southern Railway, include the installation of an electronic bus countdown within the station, additional cycling facilities and a new side entrance to relieve congestion in the ticket hall area, which opened in October last year.

The clock was officially unveiled at the end of March, its scheduled delivery date, but has since been covered in rubbish bags.

A spokesman for the council said the new civic clock and a Welcome to Sutton sign would be the centrepieces of the town.

Councillor Simon Wales, chairman of the Sutton Gateway Board that is co-ordinating the project, said ahead of its launch: “With the aim of showcasing the borough from the moment people step out from the station, the project will make the area more attractive, accessible and safe.”

The council was unable to say when the clock will be uncovered.

We initially gave the figure for the cost of the clock as £50,000 figure. The council has since disputed this and stated the cost was in fact £34,000.