THERE can't be many people who don't root for Southend's historic bandstand, left homeless since the 2002 cliffs landslide.

The seafront has been a much sadder place since the music stopped. Yet six years have passed, and it was starting to look as if the bandstand was destined to spend the rest of its existence in a warehouse.

Now, though, there is welcome news from a source not noted for positive tidings - Southend Council's budget.

Finally the council has found the resources to re-erect the bandstand. For obvious reasons, it can't return to its natural home on the clifftops at present.

But Priory Park is no bad alternative.

The successful summer concerts mean the park already has a strong link to music making.

Wisely, the council has waited for the installation of CCTV systems before proceeding.

The £60,000 cost of the system is money well spent.

The bandstand has survived so much down the years.

It would be a pity to see it fall victim to vandals just as things are starting to look brighter.