A PETITION to save the bandstand on the Victoria Embankment has been signed by more than 1,200 people.

Jonathan Hughes, of The Meadows, started the petition in January after learning that the bandstand, which dates from the 1930s, could be demolished as part of flood defence plans for the area.

He handed the petition to Coun Gary Long at the council house this week.

He said: "There is a very strong feeling locally, and throughout Nottingham. It's part of the area's heritage. It's iconic.

"Throughout my research I have met various people who would love to make good use of it. It has so much potential."

Mr Hughes has lived in and around the Embankment for most of his life, and was stunned when he heard that the bandstand could be removed.

He said: "When I heard that the council might be knocking it down I just felt that someone needed to see if it was worth saving and what other people felt.

"I've got many a good memory of it. It's a delightful amenity for the community."

Mr Hughes said English Heritage will visit the bandstand to see if it could qualify for listed status, meaning it could not be demolished.

He said: "The Embankment was given to the people of Nottingham by Jesse Boot in perpetuity, yet it seems to have been handed over to the council."

The proposals to remove the bandstand are part of the Environment Agency's flood defence plans for the River Trent.

This would see a landscaped flood bank cutting across the playing fields on the Embankment through the area where the bandstand is currently sited.

New changing facilities, a cafe and play facilities are also planned for the area, while the war memorial and memorial gardens will be revamped.

The city council said a new performance space could be created elsewhere and that the bandstand is under-used.

sarah.gillett@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk