Two giant copper domes covering Southend's Cliffs bandstand complex are to be dismantled and kept in storage after heavy rain threatened the building with collapse, it was revealed today.

The operation to remove the domes will take place at 7am on Sunday when police will escort the three trucks taking them to Southend Council's nursery in Great Wakering.

Residents are being asked by the council not to park their cars on the south side of Clifftown Parade, Westcliff Parade and part of Milton Road, between 7am and 10am on Sunday so the convoy of lorries can pass through.

The two copper domes form the roofs of buildings near the edge of the cliff. The band stage at the centre of the complex will remain untouched.

Steve Driscoll, Southend Council's group manager for building control, said: "The domes are being dismantled as they are on the land that is affected by subsidence."

The bar, function room and toilets at the bandstand are set be demolished though it is hoped the restaurant and Lynn Tait Gallery will remain open.

Published Friday October 25, 2002

Brought to you by the Evening Echo