An appeal to revive a town’s 120-year old iconic tower has been turned down.

The bid for money to renovate Darwen Tower was rejected by the National Lottery Heritage Fund last week.

The joint application for £250,000 by Blackburn with Darwen Council and Darwen Rotary Club had been under discussion for more than three months.

John Jacklin from Darwen Rotary said: “It’s disappointing, we had made a very good case.

“As part of the bid, we undertook a survey and a vast majority of the respondents said that the tower really does represent home.

“The funding would have been used to repair the tower and also create a legacy – educating future generations and providing virtual tours.”

Councillor Dave Smith, who represents the Darwen West ward, said at the time of submitting the bid that people in the town all wanted the same thing – to see the tower protected and enjoyed for future generations to come.

Darwen folk have so far raised almost £70,000 towards the renovation, with the council coming up with an offer of another £10,000.

Leader of Darwen Town Council, Councillor John East said: “I believe there will be a meeting taking place between the Heritage Lottery people, the council and the Rotary to see what we can do in terms of resubmitting a bid next year.

“We are very disappointed but still convinced that the people of Darwen will help to raise the money for the reprisal of this wonderful iconic landmark.

“We will now look forward to making sure amendments are made to the bid so we can get the money needed.”

Mr Jacklin will also meet with Darwen’s MP, Jake Berry, in the New Year to discuss ways forward for the tower, built for Queen Victoria's Jubilee.