WORK on revamping a town centre bank has begun.

Scaffolding has been erected on the Nat West branch in King William Street, Blackburn.

Work is being carried out on the first floor including remove partition walls and replace office furniture.

Repairs to dry rot and damp will also take place.

Developers said removals will cause no harm or loss to the original building, which is listed.

Within a design and access statement submitted as part of the initial application, a spokesman on behalf of the applicant said: "The appearance of the building will not be affected, where items are removed, work to re-instate plater infills will be carried out to match existing.

"The bank is a well composed example of mid 19th century commercial architecture, which is little altered externally, and which retains notable interior elements characteristic of the building type.

"It occupies a prominent street corner site in the centre of Blackburn, and contributes strongly to the civic and commercial character of the area."