Join bandstand campaign
THE KENT and Sussex Courier today calls on Tunbridge Wells residents to help save the bandstand in Calverley Grounds.
The popular landmark could disappear forever if Tunbridge Wells Borough Council forges ahead with demolition plans.
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SIGNING UP: Joy Knowles and Pat Hadlum sign the Courier petition to save the bandstand in the Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells
There are only weeks to go until planners at the Town Hall take the final vote on its future.
And residents, furious at the prospect of losing the bandstand, have been urging immediate action to stop the bulldozers moving in.
Now people have the chance to drive home the message to the borough council that flattening the focal point of the picturesque grounds is a step too far.
Today we launch our Save Our Bandstand campaign and petition, in conjunction with Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society. We want to secure the future of the bandstand. We want it preserved in the short-term and replaced in the future with a new and inspiring design.
A planning application to dismantle the structure and flatten out the area will be lodged within two weeks. There will then be a 21-day window for people to submit their views before the council's planning committee decides.
The civic society wants a Victorian-style ornate structure, reminiscent of the original one which was destroyed by a bomb in the second world war, to be built in its place.
Society chairman Alastair Tod said: "A bandstand brings character and is a good base for public performance.
"It would be good if we could have a sequence of bands playing there like in the past which would be hugely popular and would bring people into the town."
The petition will be presented to the council's planning department in time to object.
5 Comments
by J.I.Edwards, Tunbridge Wells
Wednesday, April 01 2009, 9:53PM
“The bandstand is so central that it should be developed not destroyed. Organisations should be encouraged to use the are for community activities.”
by jane.., london
Friday, March 27 2009, 8:25AM
“grew up in tunbridge wells. when i visit with my granchildren we always go to the calverley grounds, pantiles and high rocks.these are the landmarks in the town.”
by susan, tunbridge wells
Friday, March 13 2009, 5:56PM
“the council have no civic pride, why can't they use people who are doing comminute service, do the work on the band stand, and it might make them proud of the work they have done for there town. and it won't cost the council so much of there beloved money.¿”
by John, Pembury
Friday, March 06 2009, 1:23PM
“Tunbridge Wells Council are a disgrace in not saving our bandstand as the band stand is part of Tunbridge Wells heritage.”
by g.d&a.e. spalding, crowborough
Wednesday, March 04 2009, 7:32PM
“i think it is outrageous that another part of our past is being trashed. i think money should be put by for important refurbishment works such as this bandstand.”