Fencing will be put at the front of the Trowbridge Park bandstand in a bid to halt vandalism.

The work, being funded by a Trowbridge Area Board grant of £5,000, was proposed by its chairman, Trowbridge Town and Wiltshire Council member Graham Payne, to prevent graffiti and avoid ongoing repair costs.

The town council will oversee the work and plans to increase the frequency of live entertainment on the stage.

In November, swastika graffiti drawn on the bandstand was not removed in time for Remembrance commemorations.

Last week, a group of five teenagers were made to clean up after being caught throwing paint around the bandstand and its pathways.

Cllr Payne said: “I’m pleased that the area board approved the grant as the bandstand needs to be protected. People have been very upset with the graffiti, especially the swastika on display on Armistice Day, and I hope this will bring it to an end.”

Fencing is expected to be in place next month, and the bandstand will also be getting repainted and cellar repairs carried out.

Bill Austin, the council’s head of direct services, said: “The better the bandstand looks the more people are likely to want to use it, which will benefit the community.”

The improvements have been welcomed by the Trow-bridge Royal British Legion branch and Wiltshire Police.

Brian Mitchell, of the Royal British Legion, said: “I think the work is fantastic and I hope the town council put their back into the project, as the bandstand is hugely important to the town and the events it stages during the year.”

Inspector Lisette Harvey, based at Trowbridge Police Station, said: “This is welcome news, as it will prevent further damage and break down that perception that the park isn’t a place that people should go to.

“As I know, the town council has worked hard, in recent months, installing new lighting to make the park more attractive for visitors.”

Last July, the town council took over the park from Wiltshire Council.