WORK on Darwen Tower’s new dome is not expected to begin until October.

Six months of hold-ups by council officials has meant that apprentices assigned to complete the work at the WEC Group now have little time before they complete their first year.

As a result, a new uptake in September is likely to be given the chance instead.

Keeping to the design from the 1971 fibre glass dome, which blew off in high winds last November, the new dome will be made of a durable, non-rusting metal, painted in dark grey.

The supports will be painted chocolate brown. Designer Peter Roberts, of WEC, said there would also be a lockable door at the top of glazed area at the summit of the dome.

The work will be carried out for free by the WEC Group and is expected to be lifted into place by helicopter when ready.