Darwen Tower’s new dome is set to be finished by October, despite an earlier announcement work would not begin until then.

Councillors say they are relieved the repairs will be made before the first anniversary of the fibre-glass structure blowing off in gusts in November.

Darwen-based WEC Group has agreed to build a replacement metal dome free-of-charge, but the scheme was delayed by planning permission hold-ups.

Darwen Town Council leader Councillor Steve Duncan said: “It is important to get the dome up before winter, and will be tremendous to see.

“I think the whole town should have a big thank you for WEC as it’s first class work.”

In late June, WEC Group said that the work would not be started until October at the earliest, as the current group of first year apprentices are now nearing the end of their course, before moving on to other parts of the company to complete their training.

Ten new apprentices due to start in September were expected to take the reins, and the company warned of a “slow start” as they got to grips with the material and equipment.

But now, after discussions with planning officers at Blackburn with Darwen Council, WEC Group managing director Steve Hartley has agreed to start work sooner, using the apprentice’s skills.

A spokesman said: “We’ve been asked to prioritise the dome and Steve Hartley was kind enough to agree to do this, so we will start work on the dome this month.”

"WEC will go the extra mile and work towards getting the dome completed in October 2011.”

Gales of up to 80mph tore the dome off in the early hours of Novermber 12, followed by a public outcry to repair it as soon as possible.

Darwen Town Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council had agreed to jointly pay for the work, before the donation by WEC Group.

Darwen Tower, otherwise known as Jubilee Tower, was completed in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and also to celebrate the victory of the local people for the right to access the moor.

It was opened to the public on 22 September 1898.