Essential maintenance work is taking place to repair the Town Hall and the clock tower.

The war memorial will also be cleaned and repaired in time for remembrance services in November.

Work begins today, and is expected to be completed by 8 March 2013.

There will be traffic and parking restrictions in place during the works, as well as diversions around Katharine Street, Fell Road and Mint Walk.

Entrances to the Town Hall will remain as normal.

Councillor Dudley Mead, deputy leader of the council, said: “We are carrying out work on this prestigious asset for continued use by the community and future generations.

"This essential maintenance work will avoid more expensive repair costs were it to be deferred to a later date.”