VANDALS have targetted the bandstand in Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park, hacking away at its wooden struts and putting the structure's future in doubt. 

The monument, which was originally built in 1903 and relocated to the park in 1927, has been taped off after the appalling act as it is now unsafe. 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has put up a cordon.

The vandalism targeted several support pillars of the cherished bandstand.

READ MORE: Play park in Popley closed by Basingstoke council following reports of vandalism

A council spokesperson said: "The council is aware of the vandalism to some of the support struts on the bandstand in War Memorial Park. To ensure the safety of park users, the area has been fenced off.”

Basingstoke Gazette: Support pillars of bandstand at War Memorial Park have been vandalised.Support pillars of bandstand at War Memorial Park have been vandalised. (Image: Roy Venkatesh)

The bandstand, a symbol of community and the site of numerous local events, was at the centre of a planned refurbishment project even before the recent bout of vandalism.

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

Despite the setback, the council said it is resolute in its commitment to restoring the structure to its former glory.

The spokesperson added: “A project to refurbish the bandstand had started prior to this vandalism taking place. Despite the damage this work will continue and we aim to complete this in the autumn.”

In light of the incident, local authorities have extended an invitation to the public with information on how the damage occurred to report it to the police.

People can do this by calling 101 or reporting online at hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour

Police have been contacted for a comment.