CASH from last week's announcement that Darwen could get up to £25million from the Government could be used to help rejuvenate its iconic tower.

Cllr Neil Slater said the tower was the “soul of Darwen” and asked Blackburn with Darwen Council leader, Cllr Mohammed Khan, to throw his weight behind the efforts of the community to continue plans to bring it back to its former glory.

Cllr Khan, speaking on behalf of executive member for regeneration, Cllr Phil Riley, said the council was waiting for advice from Westminster as to how the cash could be spent.

But he said if the cash could be used on Darwen Tower, the council would consider it.

Cllr Slater said: "Darwen’s Jubilee Tower was built in1898 funded by public subscription.

"Having stood the test of time for 120 years as a welcoming landmark to the town it is now badly in need of substantial repair.

"Local fundraising has realised over £60,000 and a bid has been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund to try to obtain the remaining monies needed to complete the repairs, improve the pathways and signage.

"Will the executive board please explore if the recently announced £25m Towns Fund could be a source of providing a sufficient grant to augment the public fund; so that all the necessary works and improvements can be completed in full?"

Cllr Khan said: "Government is still to publish the national Towns Fund “prospectus” that sets out the relevant guidance and requirements.

"We are hopeful that key cultural assets that are key to defining a town’s character and sense of place, in our case the Jubilee Tower, will be included within the scope of the Towns Fund.

"We have made good progress in recent years in driving new growth opportunities, delivering new infrastructure, securing new private investment and improving public services and spaces in Darwen.

"We will look to use the Towns Fund to deliver a comprehensive growth plan for Darwen with key partners.

"At this stage, we aim to focus on further improvements to Darwen town centre, while unlocking new development opportunities.

"We will also explore how the Town Fund can be used to deliver high quality public services to help ensure the area remains an attractive place to live, work, invest in and enjoy.

"Once we have clearer understanding of the Government’s guidance, the nature and scale of funding, and relevant timescales, we will report further."