RESTORATION work has begun on the beloved bandstand in Basingstoke's War Memorial Park.

The structure fell victim to vandalism last month, leaving residents dismayed and the bandstand's future uncertain.

As previously reported, the monument, which was originally built in 1903 and relocated to the park in 1927, has been taped off after vandals hacked away its wooden struts, putting the structure's future in doubt. 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council put up a cordon after the vandalism targeted several support pillars.

READ MORE: Residents upset as bandstand in War Memorial Park vandalised

It was last renovated in 2000 by company RJ Smith using Lottery funding when it was moved to its current location, next to the Hackwood Park gates.

The council has now begun the restoration works, saying the refurbishment project had been planned prior to this vandalism.

The work is due to be completed by the end of the autumn

A council spokesperson said: “The work to repair and redecorate the bandstand in War Memorial Park is underway. This project had been planned before the recent damage to the struts which caused the site to be fenced off. The work plan includes repairs to the timbers, full repainting and repairs to the clock tower and roof.”

Meanwhile, police are continuing to ask members of the public for information on how the damage occurred.

Chief Inspector Scott Johnson said: “Officers are working with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to investigate this incident.

“Like all large towns, we do see incidents of criminal damage reported in Basingstoke. However, we are not currently seeing higher-than-usual levels of criminal damage.

“As it stands, we have recorded four per cent fewer criminal damage incidents in comparison to this time last year.

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“We take reports of this nature very seriously when they are reported to us; with our local officers conducting all available lines of enquiry and working with local partners to combat the issues.

“As such, we would urge anyone that witnesses any crimes or suspicious incidents, to please contact 101 or report it via the Hampshire Constabulary website.

“Any information we receive enables us to build a better picture of the issues facing our communities and where to focus our patrols.”