PEREGRINE falcons will have to find new nesting sites this year while urgent repair work is completed at a Darwen town centre landmark.

Steeplejacks are putting nets in place around the upper ledges at India Mill, a 303ft Grade II listed chimney, which is owned by Brookhouse Holdings plc.

The falcons, which return annually, have become a popular attraction for bird lovers.

John Fryer, Brookhouse Properties manager, said: "This is a last resort, but extensive remedial works are essential.

"If the peregrines were allowed to build nests, it would be August after the fledglings have flown, before the works could commence.

"The nature of the works is hazardous and to attempt to undertake this during the winter months would be almost impossible. It would expose the steeplejacks to unnecessary personal risks."

The work is being carried out after consultation with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds because nesting peregrines cannot be disturbed by law. In March 1996 a similar repair operation was suspended when the birds of prey arrived.

Mr Fryer added: "When the works are completed, the nesting ledge will be reinstated under guidance from the RSPB. This will entail the creation of an area of vegetation and the provision of gravel. Needless to say, having to take this action is regretted but unavoidable."

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