FEARS that a proposed bandstand will become a gathering place for youths and a hotspot for noise and antisocial behaviour have been raised by residents.

Dozens of objectors have signed a petition and written to the district council to object to Ferndown Town Council's plans to build a bandstand on the King George V Playing Fields in Church Road.

They believe the bandstand will provide an ideal venue for rock concerts, Shakespeare in the Park, fireworks and picnics on hot summers evenings.

But locals aren't so sure.

A report to go before councillors on September 16 cites antisocial behaviour, noise, vandalism and youths gathering, among locals' concerns.

Others fear it could become a target for arsonists and a fire hazard.

One Church Road resident wrote: "The wrong venues could bring unnecessary noise and possible social disorder problems."

The open-sided bandstand would be put up at the southern end of the playing field, close to the existing pavilion and the boundary with Ferndown Middle School. The town council would be able to install a slightly smaller structure without planning permission and the only reason it has come before the district council is because the bandstand exceeds the permitted four-metre height.

Urging councillors to support the scheme, East Dorset District Council officers advise in the agenda: "The bandstand would be set over 100 metres from the nearest residential properties in Church Road, and therefore it is considered that there would be no undue loss of amenity by reason of noise and disturbance generated by its use."

Fundraising has already started for the bandstand and money has been set aside in the town council's budget to create a full programme of events next summer.

First published: September 7