Demolition workers were today pulling down half of Southend's Cliffs Bandstand after parts of the building were on the verge of collapse.
Heavy rain has left the eastern end of the building seriously affected by subsidence, council engineers have discovered.
The bar, function room and toilets are being demolished while it is hoped the restaurant and Lynn Tait Gallery will remain open.
The leaseholder who spent nearly £90,000 revamping the ailing bandstand in 1995 said today he was "gutted" at the news.
John Gayner, who took over the lease 12 years' ago and operates the bandstand, said: "This is a complete bolt from the blue. All the money and work we put into this place has gone down the pan."
Published Thursday October 17, 2002
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