A SEASIDE bandstand which was saved from demolition by people power is now getting a facelift as part of a £150,000 town centre refurbishment scheme.
Anger erupted in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, last year after plans were revealed to knock down and remove the traditional steel bandstand, which has been a feature of the coastal community since the 1930s.
Council bosses said they wanted to get rid of it as part of a scheme to ‘de-clutter’ the central piazza area next to the promenade.
However, a protest petition was signed by 132 people who wanted the structure retained, and a public consultation exercise resulted in 84% support for it to be saved.
In February the county council relented in the face of public opposition and dropped the demolition plan. Now work is being carried out to refurbish the bandstand as part of a wider revamp of the surrounding Quay Wall area, which also includes new paving, a revised layout, new seats and bins and better lighting.
The colour of the bandstand is being changed from black to blue to help it fit in better with the surrounding area.
Last year’s petition was organised by local resident Eva Hartley, vice-chairman of the Newbiggin Community Partnership and a member of the KEAP Creative group of artists.
Yesterday she said: “They are giving the bandstand a really nice facelift and I’m sure it will look fantastic when the work is finished in the next week.
