A NEW group has been launched in a bid to save Swanage's historic bandstand - and more than £7,000 has already been pledged.

This group, established by Swanage resident Alan Houghton, has issued a plea for more pledges of cash from businesses, groups and individuals, in a bid to safeguard the future of the bandstand.

Alan said: "We are saying that we will restore our bandstand with everybody's help. We would like to have reached £10,000 before a public meeting next week."

"Pledges will be called in when we need the money, we will also apply for charity status."

Alan says pledges are needed before a public meeting takes place at Emmanuel Church, Victoria Avenue, Swanage, at 7pm on Tuesday, May 16.

Earlier this year officials from Swanage Town Council announced a proposal to fill in the sunken site if no firm plans to replace the bandstand were proposed before the end of August.

Swanage Town Band members say they want to play their part in the future strategy for the bandstand. And dozens of locals have expressed dismay at the possibility of losing the Victorian structure.

The town council says the roof of the bandstand, which was constructed in 1923, was declared structurally unsound during refurbishment works in 2012. These refurbishment works took place to address serious storm damage that the bandstand sustained previously.

Town councillors have been told the estimated cost of a new bandstand could be more than £80,000, a figure disputed by some residents.

The council also says that if the sunken site is filled in, the performance area at the town's Prince Albert Gardens - where Swanage Town Band also plays - could be improved.

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

To pledge funds to save the bandstand, contact Alan Houghton on 01929 426 380 or 07814 319 263.

Alternatively contact him at 3 Dingle Court, DeMoulham Road, Swanage, BH19 1NT