Plan approved to replace arson-attacked bandstand

Planning permission has been granted to replace a bandstand that was destroyed in an arson attack.

The structure in the Grade II listed Harlow Town Park, in Essex, was torched overnight on 19 September.

Dan Swords, the Conservative leader of Harlow Council, said construction work was due to start next week.

"The day after the fire, we promised the people of Harlow that the bandstand would be rebuilt bigger and better than before and ready to host major events this summer - and we are delivering on that promise."

The new bandstand will be a modern design built with low-carbon materials, the council says, but bricks salvaged from the fire will be incorporated.

A spokesperson said local people, including performers and community groups, helped put together the design.

Swords added: "The new design respects the bandstand's iconic heritage while giving it the scale, quality and resilience it always deserved. It is modern, accessible and built for major performances, and it has been shaped with our community at every step."

The council previously said it aimed to complete the construction in March, but this week it only said that the reopening would be "later this year".

Permission was granted by the council's planning department on Wednesday.

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