REPAIRS to Darwen Tower are about to begin and the landmark is expected to re-open in April after being sealed-off since October 2000 when it was found to be unsafe.

Builders are to remove the stone floor slabs from the 104 year-old tower, after which the internal wall will be strengthened, the lantern glazed and benches placed around the base.

Engineers claim the work, costing £26,000, will make the tower structurally secure for another 100 years.

Repairs were expected to be finished by Spring 2001, but the outbreak of foot and mouth closed the surrounding moors and prevented the work starting.

Once the area was given the all-clear, the weather was too bad.