The saga of the landmark bandstand in Calverley Grounds has reached a new level this week, as the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council made a clear announcement that they are determined despite the mounting opposition of over 2, 000 signatures with the “Save our Bandstand” campaign...to demolish it.

There seems that even the proposition to re-vamp it has come to an end, as the cost to accomplish this exceeds the Council’s needs to spend the money, the uproar that this is creating amongst the locals and the council officials have divided the loyalties of many.

Even with the knowledge that an anonymous benefactor has made a very generous financial offer to help with the restoration and hopefully save the bandstand, the council’s stance on this is quite defiant, it seems that their mind is made up as they want to bulldoze it down.

It is not only the reason to demolish this famous landmark but evident that some officials do not want to replace it with another structure.

Some have commented that the space where the bandstand once stood, could well be used by visiting performers who can bring their own stage and platforms and thus use the empty space for worthwhile means and bring enjoyment to the passing crowds.

The conflicting and heated opinions not only from the residents and supporters, but also members of the Borough Council, and the Tunbridge Wells Civic Society have inflamed the situation with deep divisions of the bandstands future in Calverley Grounds.

As this saga moves into another week of debate and uncertainty, all those that still wish to “Save the Bandstand” have just another few weeks to make their feelings known in support of keeping it. 

Within the next ten weeks the very final decision about the future of this great and historic landmark in Tunbridge Wells will be made as planning permission for its continuation or demise will be made.

The future of this will decidedly lay in the hands of those with authority, but to all the loyal supporters who continue the fight then please join the Kent & Sussex Couriers own pledge to “Save our Bandstand”...and join it today...!!!