Residents fed up with the state of a historic seafront bandstand left decaying for more than 30 years have started a petition to try to help secure Lottery funding for its restoration.

Last month The Argus reported Brighton and Hove Council would know in September whether its application for a grant to restore the Grade II listed Birdcage Bandstand on Brighton seafront has been successful.

The petition was started two weeks ago and already has 850 names after a successful spell on Saturday and Sunday collecting signatures. Once completed it will be sent to the Heritage Lottery Fund to urge officials to allocate funding.

As well as the petition, the group are keen to raise funds for the council to start work before the autumn.

Patricia Horne, of Brunswick Square, said: "The council are restricted on what they can do because of the lottery application but that doesn't stop us from raising money or gathering support."

The residents are keen to attract as many volunteers as possible. If you can help email brightonbandstand@googlemail.com.