The structure was damaged in the gale , heavy seas and North Sea flood of 1953 and became weaker during ensuing years . By the 1970s it had fallen into disuse . By 1974 the piles over the beach were corroded , and this led to the northern half of the interior being closed to the public in 1975 . In 1977 it had become dangerous to walk beneath the glass awning inside the building , and stones in rough seas had smashed the windows at the back ; some window frames had come away . Concrete and iron pillars in the 1924 section had split , guttering had rusted and there was smashed glass on the floor , rotten woodwork and detached light-bulb holders . The building had a " keep clear , dangerous structure " notice on it . The assistant city architect Jed Baker said there had been insufficient funds for regular surveys and maintenance . Councillor Arthur Porter wanted to demolish the building but Cllr Dick Peard and 13 others wanted it restored
North Sea flood of 1953
North Sea flood of 1953
Central Bandstand, Herne Bay