WORK on an £80,000 bandstand in Northallerton could begin within months after detailed plans were unveiled this week.

Northallerton Millennium Committee has campaigned to build the stand in the Applegarth for over two years.

An amended artist's impression of the design has been released and the site now includes a sensory garden aimed at children with disabilities.

Work could start this summer, with the construction of the garden and the installation of the base of the bandstand. The committee has yet to find funding for the main structure.

An application to become a registered charity has been submitted to the Charities Commission and a reply is expected within weeks.

The project stalled last year after it emerged that the original site in the Applegarth was subject to an 80-year-old legal covenant banning any building work.

It was also held up by a wrangle with the Northallerton and District Silver Band, which wanted to see the stand in the town's High Street.

This year a piece of the Applegarth not governed by the restriction was found and the silver band has now pledged its full support.

Cynthia Peacock, millennium committee chairman, said: "For the first time things are looking positive.

"If everyone comes through with what they have prom-ised, we should have sufficient funds to get started within the next three months."

The committee's annual public meeting is held in the United Reformed Church in Northallerton High Street on Tuesday, June 18, at 7.30pm.