COUNCILLORS are set to give the green light to a major upgrade for an iconic East Lancashire landmark.

Repairs and improvements to Darwen Tower have been recommended for approval by Blackburn with Darwen Planning Committee on Thursday.

The £280,000 scheme will see the addition of stainless-steel engraved plaques to the Grade II listed building's observation deck and new steel supports for its upper landing.

The project includes the replacement of rainwater pipes, signage, broken and missing glazing, and ground and first floor doors.

It also proposes the repointing and consolidation of walls and repairs to asphalt weathering, handrails, landings and steps.

The recommendation to approve the scheme has been welcomed by Darwen East Liberal Democrat Cllr Roy Davies and his Darwen South Conservative counterpart Cllr Kevin Connor.

A report from planning officers says: “Urgent repair works are required for the Darwen Jubilee Tower to prevent further deterioration of the heritage asset to ensure the tower remains accessible for the public to enjoy.

“Darwen Tower is an iconic landmark dating from 1897 that stands on a prominent moor location. It is a Grade II listed building.

“The council proposes to undertake a programme of repairs due to persistent water ingress though open joints, openings which have missing doors or glazing, leaking rainwater pipes and splits in the asphalt weathering on the decks.

“Given the exposed nature of the tower the proposed repair works will protect the structure, as much as it is possible to do so, from the weather and the damage from water ingress.

“The works will not harm the significance of the listed building."

Local resident and chartered landscape architect Warren Chapman told the council that ‘urgent repairs’ were also needed to the path and steps leading up to the tower describing them as ‘unsafe and deteriorating rapidly’.

Cllr Davies said: “This is good news but work is also needed on the pathways to it.”

Cllr Connor said: “This is excellent news. The tower should never have been allowed to get into this state but it is an iconic landmark that needs to be repaired for future generations to enjoy.”

The approval will need final sign off by local government secretary Robert Jenrick.

The work is being paid for by £80,000 raised by Darwen Rotary Club and £200,000 from the Darwen Town Deal.