Bid for new town centre bandstand

OPEN air concerts could be hosted in Dewsbury town centre if a plan for a new bandstand wins support.
GRAND DESIGNS A bandstand similar to this will be built in Longcauseway Memorial Gardens. Picture:  Andy Thornton.GRAND DESIGNS A bandstand similar to this will be built in Longcauseway Memorial Gardens. Picture:  Andy Thornton.
GRAND DESIGNS A bandstand similar to this will be built in Longcauseway Memorial Gardens. Picture: Andy Thornton.

The idea has come from talks between Dewsbury Regeneration Board and other groups about how to attract more shoppers and visitors.

The bandstand in Longcauseway Memorial Gardens would be used to host a range of events, including brass and acoustic music.

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Regeneration Board chairman Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dews East) said: “We want more people coming into the town. There’s only so much we can do as far as investment, but hopefully this will help. It’s about making the town more attractive for incoming retailer if all possible.

“We’ve spoken to Dewsbury Town Team and other town centre groups and they’re very supportive.”

He said it was hoped a range of events would be hosted in the bandstand, making sure it was used well throughout the year.

“The location is vitally important for us because it gives us the opportunity to use it in a small situation like a quartet, but also bigger things when we might use the whole gardens or close off the road,” he said. “We want to maximise the use of it.”

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It is one of three funding bids which will be considered when Dewsbury Area Committee meets next week.

A report to councillors said the supply and installation of the bandstand would cost £47,054. If approved, work is expected to start this spring.

Funding is also being sought for security fencing to stop access to part of the embankment next to Dewsbury ring road.

The report said the area above a footpath from Crackenedge Lane had become a problem spot for littering and anti-social behaviour.

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The proposal is to fence off part of the area and add landscaping to improve its appearance.

Some cash will be sought from highways budgets and other sources, but the committee is being asked to commission the work and pledge £15,100.

Work could begin within a few months with the planting taking place between November and March 2014.

A bid for £15,000 for surfacing improvements to the circular pathway at Savile Town recreation ground will also be discussed.

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The report said: “Dewsbury South is one of the most deprived wards in the country and suffers problems in relation to obesity, diet and life expectancy. The local community are increasingly using Savile Town recreation ground for recreational and fitness purposes.”

It said many residents were using the shale track around the edge of the original cricket pitch for walking, but some had told ward councillors it was hard to walk on.

The council’s Streetscene department has agreed to put forward the remaining £5,706 needed to complete the work.

l Dewsbury Area Committee will meet at Dewsbury Town Hall on Tuesday at 5pm.

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