DARWEN Tower has been closed for urgent repairs.

The Jubilee Tower closed today after a routine inspection of the 120 year-old landmark revealed a loose section of concrete and surrounding masonry stone on the underside of the tower’s top viewing platform.

Inspectors have advised the council to close off the tower to the public until repair works have been carried out. 

A council spokesman said the repair work will cost in the region of £10,000 and will be carried out using the appropriate materials, in keeping with the Tower’s grade II listed status.

Martin Eden, Director of Environment and Leisure, said: “The Council recognises how much the tower is valued by the local community and visitors alike.

“The health and safety of all the people using the tower is our main priority, I would like to offer my reassurances that we will do our absolute best to keep disruption to a minimum.”

The Council is also working with the Friends of Darwen Tower group and is planning to submit a Heritage Lottery bid for further improvement works to the 85ft tower which was built in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Signage has gone up at the site to notify visitors of the works, the signs will be updated next week to provide further information about when the tower is likely to be re-opened for visitors.

Friends of Darwen Tower shared their concerns about the structure last month, after a report commissioned by the group revealed the extent of the damage.

A spokesman for the group said it was 'in the best interest' of the public to close the tower before the bank holiday weekend.

She said: "Darwen Tower is now closed as the top floor has been declared unsafe. "The council has estimated that it will cost £10,000 to repair the upper floor and we will keep you updated on the progress.

"Eileen Guy, our treasurer has said that it’s in the best interests for the public as there could have been a lot of people going up the tower over the bank holiday weekend.

"Safety is everyone’s number one priority.

"The council have assured us that they aim to get the tower back open as soon as possible."