A historic bandstand in Todmorden in the heart of West Yorkshire is in danger of being demolished after local councillors voted on proposals concerning its future.

Originally constructed in 1914, Calderdale Council recently agreed to its proposed demolition in Centre Vale Park, and to replace it with a new performance space. A public meeting is to be held this week to see if an alternative solution can be agreed.

Alternatives

It was reported in the local Halifax Courier newspaper that the bandstand had been out of use for safety reasons for the last decade or so, and that the alternatives considered included £40,000 to make it safe and install new and robust security fencing, £50,000 to demolish it and replace it with a new performance space or £300,000 to rebuild it again to its original specification.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Tim Swift was reported as saying that planning permission for that would have to be obtained, and while that was ongoing, if the town council wanted to take it up, it could be considered.

In decline

The bandstand is one of approximately 1500 that were built in the UK in public areas following the implementation of legislation from 1839 onwards.

Although according to historian Paul Rabbitts in his book, 'Bandstands — Pavilions for music, entertainment and leisure' that number declined after the Second World War, there was a revival in the 1990's with National Lottery funding.

The bandstand is one of approximately 1500 that were built in the UK in public areas following the implementation of legislation from 1839 onwards4BR

Vandalism

However, even though the structures themselves enjoyed refurbishment, cuts in local authority funding has seen a decline in paid concert performances, with a number of bandstands also suffering from vandalism — something which has affected the Todmorden bandstand.

In 2015 a support group called Todmorden B.R.A.S.S. (Bandstand Restoration and Support Society) was set up, although it is unclear of this is still in existence.