It was with much sadness that I noticed the article telling us that the bandstand at the Town Hall had been removed because it was going to cost £20,000 to have it repaired.

I made a special trip to see if it was true and it was!

It was gone, with the blocks where it used to rest, just looking cleaner but very bare.

The seats where people used to sit to watch the fun all still there, but just looking at each other.

I wonder if the City Council thought about approaching the nearby businesses for financial help, surely having the bandstand there increased footfall in the city centre?

Would Primark not be prepared to contribute, House of Fraser, Top Shop, Cranstons?

In fact, although £20,000 does seem a lot of cash, how much does the council spend on the annual fireshow?

I notice that £650,000 is to be spent on a cycle track at Harraby.

I am not the only one to feel upset about losing the bandstand, it was very popular in the summer with local choirs, bands, schools etc giving performances, it helped to bring local people and visitors together in the centre of the city.

Perhaps the council may reconsider?

Jenny Smith
Carlisle

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