A community group has raised twice its original target to pay for repairs to a Walkden park’s historic bandstand.
The Friends of Parr Fold Park appeal has topped £14,000 which means work can now go ahead.
Salford City Council, which will match public donations, is set to bring contractors in to begin urgent structural repairs.
Appeal organiser Deborah Gee thanked donors for their generous and speedy support.
She said: “Now we’ve got enough for the council to get contractors in to do the urgent repairs.
“Hopefully it’ll all be done over winter and early spring, and then next year we aim to get the bandstand used more for things like brass band concerts and other performances.”
The immediate priority is stopping further deterioration. Repairs to the roof and facias are planned first, along with an assessment of the power supply, which has been disconnected for several years.
Restoring power is key to make it possible to use PA systems and lights to make the most of the stand.
Looking ahead, the group hopes that next year’s revived programme of events will help secure long-term investment.
“We want a regular programme of things going on,” she said.
“We’ve had a good response when we’ve had some brass band concerts this earlier this year.
“People just want to see it restored,” Deborah said. “They’re looking forward to it being repaired and used more. That support really keeps us going.”
The group hopes to apply for a larger grant further down the line to complete a full restoration, once the most urgent repairs are complete and the structure is protected from further damage.
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