SWANAGE Band has asked to play its part in the six month consultation on the future of the town's historic bandstand.

Officials from Swanage Town Council (STC) propose to fill in the sunken site if there are no firm plans to replace it by the end of August.

Councillors agreed the timescale at a meeting earlier this year, where they also heard the estimated cost of a new bandstand would be upwards of £80,000.

However, many locals dispute this figure and have urged the council to save the bandstand - arguing it plays a vital role in maintaining Swanage's seaside charm.

Now an official statement from Swanage Town Band, which regularly performs at the site, highlights its position.

It said: "Playing without a roof does affect the sound and obviously leaves the band more exposed to inclement weather and over the last two years, in informal discussions with Swanage Town Council, we have submitted plans to replace the roof and have also drawn up a list of bands who might like to use this facility.

"The band appreciate the support they receive from Swanage Town Council and are keen to promote a performance area that can be used by all the town.

"We are aware that there is a groundswell of opinion for refurbishing or replacing the bandstand and as regular users would be happy to be involved during the proposed six month consultation.

"The current bandstand offers easy parking - essential for larger instruments and chairs - has good audience space and toilets close by. If another site is to be developed we feel these issues should be carefully considered."

The roof of the bandstand, built in 1923, was found to be structurally unsound when refurbishment works addressing serious storm damage stared in 2012.

It had been hoped to restore the bandstand prior to the London Olympics torch relay, but, according to a town council spokesman, it had deteriorated beyond repair.

The council also insists that should the bandstand be filled in, improvements could be made to the performance space at Swanage's Prince Albert Gardens.

Swanage Town Band will be performing at Swanage Bandstand this summer, with dates set to be announced soon.