A COUNCIL is to start remedial work on the south entrance porch of its historic town hall to protect the Mayor's staircase from damp.

The measures were approved by councillors on Thursday night.

Blackburn with Darwen Council wants to repair and improve the fabric of the Grade II listed Blackburn Town Hall built in 1852.

And officers report to the borough Planning Committee said: "On the south side, where the works are proposed, the building contains a covered staircase, the roof of which is the subject to this application.

"The area where the works are proposed abuts the main staircase leading to the Mayoral Chamber and Committee Rooms.

"It is clearly evident when travelling up the staircase that the external wall is suffering internally from damp ingress.

"Listed Building Consent is sought for remedial and renewal works to the Bay Roof projecting from the South facing Elevation of the building (facing the side elevation of Wilko’s).

"The proposal relates to solving an existing drainage problem to the roof of the decorative porch feature over the south entrance.

"The current arrangement is of a poor design and is causing internal damp problems and the decay of the plaster finishes on the Mayor's Staircase

"The scheme seeks to remedy the issue by either core drilling the existing outfall to increase its size or adding a new down pipe and hopper down the east face.

"The proposals include increasing the diameter of the concealed downpipe within the left hand side Corinthian Column of the porch projection; renewing the water outlets, roof finishes, including flashing's/soakers, and the rainwater goods."

The committee granted listed building consent for the work.