Design ideas for a replacement bandstand in Calverley Grounds are being discussed by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

The Council is to meet with Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society and the Town Forum to discuss its visions for the gardens.

It is the first time the council has committed so publicly the idea of replacing the much-loved landmark with another bandstand, since the launch of the Courier's Save our Bandstand campaign.

The three parties will discuss the siting and design of the new bandstand at a meeting likely to be held at the end of May. Blueprints will then be drawn up.

The council's head of leisure services Nigel Bolton told the Courier on Wednesday: "I think the meeting is a good step forward.

"It is right to talk to them at this stage because they both represent people in the town.

They both take interest in the heritage and green spaces. We will discuss their ideas and thoughts on a new bandstand and the feasibility. We will then get designs drawn up."

The Civic Society said it was excited action on a bandstand was progressing.

Chairman Alastair Tod said: "The sooner things get started the better. The delay has been very worrying.

"We are not taking anything for granted in the meantime. We would still hope to see firm plans for a bandstand before they demolish."

Mr Bolton added the final decision on the provision of a bandstand and any subsequent design rested with the cabinet.

"The council hasn't made a decision on it yet. Our designs for a new structure would have to go back formally to cabinet for a decision."

A date for when this would go before cabinet has yet to be set.

The new bandstand would have to be funded by "public subscription" meaning, apart from the £26,000 set aside by the council, the cost of the project would not come from the authority's purse.

The new build will cost in the region of £100,000, Mr Bolton said. He added the mystery benefactor, who had already come forward with an offer of a "substantial" amount of money, was still onboard.

Mr Bolton said the council would look at any source of funding.

"We would look to any donators who would want to pledge money to it. Lottery funding is an option we would explore, if it's required. But it has become increasingly difficult to get lottery funding in this area and we did get a substantial amount of funding for the restoration of Dunorlan park. When you've had a large award like that it becomes even more difficult."

The Kent and Sussex Courier's Save our Bandstand petition, which calls for the historic landmark to be replaced with a new inspiring design, now has almost 2,400 signatures.