THE scaffolding is being removed at Darwen Tower marking the end of the first phase of its £305,000 restoration.

Specialists are working hard to take down the structure which has protected the Grade-II listed building while the repair work was undertaken.

All the external improvements, including structural works, are now complete with contractors due to move inside as soon as the scaffolding is fully removed in the coming weeks.

Restoration work has been underway since last summer after £225,000 was secured through the Darwen Town Deal, supplemented by £70,000 raised locally by Darwen Rotary Club and £10,000 from Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The tower - originally built in 1898 by public subscription to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and to mark residents’ rights to roam the moors - will be officially reopened on June 2 when when it will be the backdrop for a beacon lighting as part of events to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Wayne Wild, chair of the Darwen Town Deal Board, said: “It was fantastic to go up to the Tower and see the start of the scaffolding coming down and the improvements being revealed.

“This is such an important project for residents in Darwen and it’s exciting as it’ll be the first Town Deal project to be completed.

“While the Town Deal is focused on kick-starting the transformation of Darwen, the tower is an important, historical landmark."

Gil Riley, president of the Darwen Rotary Club, said: “Residents donated tens of thousands of pounds to help restore the Tower when it fell in to disrepair.

“It’s such an important landmark for the town – a sign to many that they’re home and we wanted to ensure it could be enjoyed for many generations to come.”

Specialist contractors, UK Restoration Services have undertaken the works in consultation with Heritage England.

The mortar mix was specially developed after the original materials were analysed in a laboratory.

The finishing touches will include replacing the windows inside the tower, painting the dome and pointing the inside of the building.

Councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We can’t wait to officially unveil the Tower at the beacon lighting.

“The work has been painstaking – often in difficult conditions and against the backdrop of the pandemic.

“The priority has been completing the restoration to the highest standards and it’s looking fantastic.

“Residents will soon be able to go up to the Tower and enjoy in all its glory.”