A CAMPAIGN has been launched to light up Darwen Tower.

Sunnyhurst councillor Dave Smith, whose great grandfather helped build the tower between June 1897 and September 1898, has been inquiring about the possibility for several years.

Now he believes developments in technology could help overcome the difficulties.

He is starting a petition to put pressure on the council to light up the tower.

However, council bosses have cast doubts on the scheme.

Coun Smith said: "The idea has been banded about for a few years but the cost of doing it has been prohibitive.

"To do it properly would cost £50,000 to £70,000, and the electricity supply would have to go through United Utilities land, who would also want a cut.

"New technology such as solar panels could be used at a much smaller expense.

"I've been speaking to the council. They think that solar panels on the tower would look silly, and wouldn't produce enough power for a substantial light.

"There is also the problem of light pollution and in other areas in the country where a memorial has been lit up, it has attracted vandals.

"It would be nice to get a petition going, because lighting the tower would look great."

But Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration, said: "The tower is under the ownership of the council and we are responsible for its maintenance.

"This question is raised from time to time but there is an issue about how the lighting system would be powered.

"There is no power source anywhere near the tower and it would be very costly to install.

"A solar panel could be used but there are also issues of light pollution and the effect it would have on the wildlife in the area.

"We are proud of Darwen Tower. It is a daytime visibility landmark and is appreciated and respected throughout the borough.

"It is not a night-time attraction and if it was lit up, it may well encourage people to visit the tower at night and that would be unsafe."

The tower was temporarily lit for the Millennium and in 2002 for the Jubilee weekend to celebrate the Queen's golden jubilee.