Park bandstand to be restored at workshop

The structure has stood at Sunderland's Roker Park since the 1880s

A Victorian bandstand fenced off for four years amid safety concerns is to be restored in a specialist contractor's workshop over the winter months, a council has announced.

The Grade II listed structure in Sunderland's Roker Park dates back to the 1880s.

Sunderland City Council says carrying out the work off-site "will allow for a much more comprehensive restoration".

Repair works were approved by the council last year with plans to reopen it for performances, and the authority has promised to restore the structure to "its former glory".

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration, said its repair was "the next piece in the jigsaw" following the opening of a cafe, accessible toilets and installation of a music-themed art wall as part of a £1.6m regeneration of the park.

David Laws, who has lived in the area for 40 years, previously told the BBC he felt disgusted that the bandstand "was being left to go to rack and ruin and not being looked after".

Remembering brass bands playing there on Sundays, he said: "It's part of our heritage. It should be looked after and passed on to the next generation."