AN APPEAL to preserve the Victorian bandstand in the Old Town gardens has raised £500 in only 10 days.

The Pipers Way Residents' Association needs £20,000 for urgent repairs.

Around 3,000 leaflets asking for help went with the association's latest newsletter. Secretary Gwenda Barnes said: "It just shows how much residents value the bandstand."

"And we haven't yet asked firms for their help. People are very attached to the gardens, and the bandstand is the centrepiece."

Every year, scores of music-lovers flock to the summer silver band performances there.

Around £100,000 is needed in total. Swindon Council has stumped up half the cash, and £30,000 has been promised from landfill tax credits.

If you want to help, call Gwenda on 01793 534516.