Do people really want to preserve old Watford? Their feelings may be put to the test by the move to drop the plan to re-erect the Cassiobury Park bandstand on a plinth near the Central Library.

The reason for reversal of the decision taken by the borough council two years ago is that the cost of restoring the Edwardian bandstand has now soared to £10,000.

Councillor Arthur Naylor spoke at the highways and works committee on Tuesday of a referendum to find out people’s wishes. “I propose we give the citizens of Watford a chance to say what they think,” he said. He suggested people might make their opinions known through the Press.

Councillor Colin Barry thought the austerity of the new precinct a perfect contrast for the old ornate bandstand, though he was appalled at the cost of the work.

“It might be possible to put this to the people of Watford and perhaps have an appeal to save the bandstand. Then we could see how much people really feel about it,” he said.

“We are always being told by people in Watford: ‘What are they doing to our town? They are pulling down everything that is worth preserving.’

“It might be a perfect opportunity for the people of Watford to show in financial terms that they are interested in preserving some of old Watford,” he said.

But Councillor Leslie Hughes said the bandstand was ugly, an eyesore and a monstrosity.

“I can see no reason why we should go to the tremendous expense to move this very old and very dilapidated bandstand into a setting where we are putting modern stuff anyway. It is going to be completely out of place,” he said.

[From the Watford Observer of January 31, 1975]