Ongoing Vandalism to Hare Hill Park Bandstand Costing Thousands in Repairs

Persistent vandalism to the historic Hare Hill Park Bandstand in Littleborough has left Rochdale Council facing repair bills running into the thousands, with the issue stretching back almost two years and showing no signs of easing.

The bandstand, a cherished feature of Hare Hill Park, has long served as a focal point for community life. Each summer it hosts brass band concerts, charity events, and local celebrations, continuing a tradition that has spanned generations. Its cast-iron barriers, original to the structure, are an important part of its heritage character - but it has also become a repeated target for vandals.

In 2024, the Council undertook a specialist project to replace broken sections of the ornate cast-iron barrier. Only fragments of the vandalised pieces had been recovered, leaving no option but to commission a replica. The Council funded the creation of a bespoke mould/pattern so that new matching sections could be cast. The piece of work is necessary to preserve the bandstand’s original design and cost more than £8,000.  The mould has since been retained to support any future repairs.

Despite this considerable investment, vandalism has continued. The structure has been damaged several times since the repairs were completed, with the most recent incident occurring within the last fortnight. Each new act of damage means additional expense for the Council and further delays in fully restoring the bandstand for public enjoyment.

Chair of Friends of Hare Hill Park, Adrian Woodhead, expressed frustration at the ongoing situation, noting that the repeated vandalism is undoing both the financial investment and the hard work put into safeguarding the heritage asset:

"This bandstand is an important part of Littleborough’s history and is well-loved by the local community. It is extremely disappointing that it keeps being targeted. Each repair costs money - money that could be spent on improving other parts of the park or paying for events. We urge anyone who witnesses vandalism or suspicious behaviour to report it immediately."

Residents and park users are now being asked to remain vigilant. With the bandstand playing such a central role in summer events and community gatherings, its preservation is a shared priority.

Anyone who sees vandalism taking place, or has information about recent incidents, is encouraged to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or report through the online live chat service. Anonymous information can also be provided to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Protecting Hare Hill Park’s historic features will require community support - and local leaders hope that increased vigilance will help bring an end to the ongoing damage.