DARWEN Tower is set to be revamped with work on the landmark set to start later this year.

A council spokesman said that strengthening work to the observation platform was due to start in November.

The landmark listed structure was closed last October because it viewing platforms had to be strengthened with engineers saying the monument needed major replacement work to its middle platform.

Councillor Kate Hollern, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for leisure and culture said that public safety was their paramount concern but regretted the inconvenience to people who enjoyed visiting the tower.

Councillor Dave Smith, who represents Sunnyhurst ward in Darwen said the planning application to restore the tower was due to be discussed at a planning and highways meeting.

He said: "There has been a lot of concern about the tower but because of foot and mouth nothing could happen, now plans for work on it are going full steam ahead and hopefully this will restore it to its former glory." The work will go out to tender once planning permission is approved and it is estimated repairs will cost around £30,000.

Since the tower was closed it has been visited by vandals who pushed through fencing to get to walk on the tower's balconies -- causing people to be concerned for their safety.

The intruders were warned by Councillor Paul Browne of Sudell ward that they were risking their lives by trying to walk on the tower.

The tower celebrated is 100th birthday in 1997. There have also been calls for the landmark to be permanently illuminated.