MORE than £90,000 has now been donated or pledged towards safeguarding the future of Swanage's Victorian bandstand.

The Friends of Swanage Bandstand charity is aiming to raise £160,000 towards the project.

Early last year Swanage Town Council (STC) announced the possible closure of the bandstand, which had previously been declared structurally unsafe during refurbishment works.

Initially councillors warned that if no-one came forward with any ideas for the bandstand it could be filled in.

However, following a wave of public concern over the bandstand's future, the town council pledged £50,000 towards its eventual renovation costs.

This was after the Friends of Swanage Bandstand, established by town resident Alan Houghton, started a fundraising campaign.

Alan said: "So far we have received £26,000, but with donations and pledges combined our total is raised to £43,500 - and with the council pledge of £50,000 that makes a total of £93,500.

"We still have a long way to go but most importantly the town is right behind us, and for that we thank you all.

"We still need a lot more help and we have several local groups adding their support, which again raises funds for us.

"We are still looking for good raffle prizes for the draw that takes place in April maybe unwanted Christmas presents?"

The bandstand's roof was first declared structurally unsafe during refurbishment works in 2012, which took place to address serious storm damage.

Swanage Bandstand was manufactured in Glasgow from cast iron. It was installed in 1923, and officially opened on August 2nd of that year.

Today it is used for regular Swanage Town Band performances and as a popular meeting place for residents.

If you can help the cause in anyway please contact Alan Houghton, 3 Dingle Court, DeMoulham Road, Swanage, BH19 1NT.

Alan can also be contacted on 01929 426 380, al2lyho@talktalk.net or via friendsofswanagebandstand.co.uk