Work has started to assess the 100-year-old Herne Bay bandstand to see how it can be used in the future.

A survey is being carried out to establish what needs to be done to fully reopen the historic seafront landmark

Canterbury City Council (CCC), which owns the landmark, says the work is a “crucial first step” to maximise the venue’s potential to host events.

Half of the site has been closed for four years including an empty commercial unit and the bandstand itself meanwhile the other side is occupied by an ice cream parlour.

Question marks have been raised by residents, business owners and councillors as to whether the building will last another 100 years as the council says it needs “very expensive” structural work.

A full survey of the entirety of the bandstand is being carried out today after first inspections took place yesterday.

Businesses remain open and access to some parts of the building has been retained during the work.

The work includes removing the sand above the substructure so that a specialist surveyor can check on the foundation’s condition.

To allow for it to take place, as well as to allow for vehicle access and for safety, part of the beach has been cordoned off.

It is being paid for with money from the Shared Prosperity Fund, a government programme for councils.

Further funds from this grant have also been allocated for health and safety works in the “near future”, CCC says.

The authority wanted to use money from the government’s Levelling Up Fund to bring the bandstand back to full use but its bid was unsuccessful.

It says it is still “committed” to finding the funds for the project.

A council statement added: “While we know this work will bring hope to many that the bandstand will be back in full operation soon, unfortunately, this is only the first step of many to get to that point – but a crucial first step nonetheless.”