DARWEN Tower’s damaged dome could soon be returned to its rightful place after businesses offered to repair it.

The iconic tower was battered by high winds last Thursday night, resulting in the 85-foot high landmark’s dome and weather vane being blown off.

The weather vane was bent but is repairable and two sections of the dome were broken off completely and another two damaged. Both landed beside the tower.

Blackburn with Darwen Council, which is responsible for the historic building, says it is in talks with five companies who have all offered to carry out the work either for free or at cost of materials.

The businesses are SDS Engineering, from Darwen; and Ellison and Groom Joinery, Ribble Glass, Russ Heaton Scaffold, and John Wade Groundworks, all from Blackburn.

Douglas Aspden, director of SDS Engineering, Goose House Lane, Darwen, which has offered to remake the roof, said: “We are more than willing to do this at cost.

“We are Darweners and the tower means a lot to us. It is absolutely essential the top is replaced. The tower is the first thing we look for when we come back to Darwen.”

John Eastham, director of Ellison and Groom Joinery, which was based in Darwen for a number of years, said he was contacted by the council.

He said: “It is quite an honour to be asked to be part of the restoration of quite a historic building in Darwen. We are happy to be helping.”

The entrance to the tower has been blocked off for safety reasons. Damaged fencing and part of the path, which was washed away by the heavy rain, are being repaired.

Coun Dave Harling said: “It is great that local people and local companies are coming forward to do their bit to help with the repairs of this iconic memorial.”