RESIDENTS in Basingstoke have been left 'disgusted' and 'upset' after vandals targeted the bandstand in Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park, hacking away at its wooden struts and putting the structure's future in doubt. 

As previously reported, the monument, which was originally built in 1903 and relocated to the park in 1927, has been taped off after the appalling act made it unsafe. 

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

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.”

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

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

READ MORE: Vandalism: Basingstoke war memorial bandstand cordoned off

The Gazette visited the park on Monday, August 7 to speak to residents following the incident.

Erik Jones, who lives nearby, said: "It is just really senseless when they do this and I just don't really understand the point. It is just pure vandalism and it really ruins it for everyone else. It looks like tools have been used to do the damage."

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: "It makes me feel really upset and I just don't understand why they would go and do this.

"It's quite a historic park so it's a real shame, especially as it's the school holidays."

Alan and Jane, who had ventured out for a walk around the park told the Gazette that they were "disgusted" to see the damage.

They added: "It makes us feel really upset that someone would do this because it is just a mindless act of vandalism.

"People come out to come and see and enjoy the park and then they will see the vandalism and it just ruins it for them."

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

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The council 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 asked members of the public with information on how the damage occurred to report it to the police.

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.

“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.”