Clacton: Fountain is flowing once more (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Clacton: Fountain is flowing once more

11:53am Thursday 25th June 2009

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A CONTROVERSIAL town centre water fountain has been switched back on.

The £137,000 water feature was turned off in July last year due to health and safety concerns that the water treatment system was “inadequate”.

But Tendring Council said the fountain, which opened in August 2007 as the centrepiece of the £3.2 million town centre revamp, will been put back into operation due to public demand.

The former council administration had planned to spend up to £20,000 fencing off the fountain so children couldn’t play in it following fears youngsters’ health could be put at risk.

The fountain was finally switched back on after being cleaned on Tuesday. ****June 23**** A temporary barrier has been put up around the feature with signs warning people not to play in it, but Charlie Sambridge, cabinet member for technical services, said he was delighted the fountain had reopened in time for this summer season.

“The reinstatement of the feature forms part of a longer term plan to enhance the town centre square which will include a performing arts facility,” he added.

The council hopes to find a long-term solution so the barrier can be removed.

Neil Stock, leader of the council, said he had not been a fan of the feature when it was proposed.

“However, myself and other colleagues have been convinced and acknowledge that it is both successful and attractive and is part of bigger plans we have for the town square,” he said.

“We were very keen to get the fountain back in operation and not miss the summer season.

“I am extremely pleased and impressed that within eight days of a meeting taking place we have been able to come up with a solution which means the water is once again flowing in the town square.”

The former technical services boss, Harry Shearing, put forward a plan to permanently fence in the fountain but said the underground plant room was not big enough for extra water treatment equipment.

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