A BANDSTAND donated by a former Mayor of Andover in 1930 is to be removed in a matter of weeks, despite much protest.

When the Andover Advertiser revealed the proposal a fortnight ago, most Andover councillors were unaware that the portfolio holder for leisure, Romsey councillor Caroline Nokes, had already sealed the building’s fate.

The bandstand at Vigo Park has also been used as an aviary but will go in time for the Big Fest event in August, a council statement has confirmed.

Cllr Nokes said: “This weekend’s carnival and the success of the Andover live events in the park prove that there is a demand for live music and performance.

“We will look at the town’s needs for a permanent open-air performance space as part of our green spaces strategy. When resources allow we certainly hope to see a new facility installed.

“However, the aviary isn’t suitable for this purpose.

“It’s next to the road and a children’s play area, and being made of wood it wouldn’t meet modern safety requirements for live music performances.”

Cllr Nokes has promised that the historic weather vane will be conserved for future use and, together with council leader Ian Carr and Andover Vision manager Sue Sheppard, she will talk about the council’s long-term aims for the area at the next Andover Councillors’ Forum.

The council says that the building is dilapidated and subject to continued vandalism. The cost of its removal is unlikely to exceed £10,000.