A PROPOSAL that Tavistock?s ageing and redundant bandstand be converted to a café was last week shelved, pending further talks.
The idea to convert the bandstand was suggested by a member of the public at a recent meeting of Tavistock Town Council, which owns the building.
Members of the town?s properties committee heard that, at present, there was no water, electricity or drainage for foul water from the bandstand, and that the nearest hook-up point was 12 metres away, at the current portable cabin café.
Cllr Norma Woodcock said it was important to remember there was already an ?extremely good? café facility at Meadowlands where people could sit inside or outside and there was no point in duplicating these facilities.
Cllr David Best said he could not see why basic repairs could not be carried out on the bandstand ? a view shared by Cllr Jenny Metcalf, who wished to see the bandstand kept as a ?part of Tavistock?s skyline and heritage?.
Cllr Ted Sherrell said he could see no point in investing in the bandstand ? unless it was to have some profitable purpose.
?Unless there is some positive use for it, there is no point in refurbishing it just for it to be re-vandalised,? he said.
The committee agreed the tenants of the Meadows café should be approached, with a view to liaising with the environmental health department and deciding what they could provide as refreshments if they relocated to the bandstand ? and if they wished to take the matter forward.