Fountains in Distress

Posted 8th December 2009

A number of fountains in need of some tlc this month, from as far north as Liverpool to Lambeth in the South. Remember we actively encourage members to write to their local council, responsible local body or owner, if you know of a fountain in distress. If you have any comments why not contact us

The Sussex town of Horsham installed a new fountain in 1996 to commemorate the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley who was born at Warnham Place.

The feature fountain was a piece by Society member Angela Connor who created “The Rising Universe” and was installed and known as the Shelley Fountain.

The local authority is reviewing with the townspeople what action should be taken over its need for substantive repairs for this feature which requires a further £25k expenditure – the options offered are:

a) Carry out repairs with in-place funding to be agreed and replace to design as originally designed by the artist.

b) Remove the active features and operate as a static fountain without hydraulics.

c) Remove the feature completely.

Members will recall that this feature consists of four satellite water mobiles and a 28ft high centrepiece. The sphere rises and falls with the weight of water, dropping a torrent of 7.5 tonnes of water in a pre-patterned cycle.

The feature is a splendid piece and members wishing to support its return to full operation should contact Councillor Robert Nye, Leader of Horsham District Council, or through the editor of the County Times Newspaper – email ct.letters@sussexnewspapers.co.uk.

Clacton, East Anglia has had its share of problems with a new town centre water feature, which was closed shortly after opening in 1997.

It seems that the Health & Safety Executive required the water treatment plant be engineered to a higher level before they considered it safe for child play.

We understand that Tendring Council, who are responsible for the design, are to carry out these upgrade works as well as supplying and installing safety fencing around the perimeter.

The feature was very popular when first installed and was enjoyed by all visitors but with the increased Health and Safety involvement, delays have been experienced on the return to use and it is expected that an additional cost of £30-40K will be incurred to bring it to a swimming pool standard. Have your say? Contact Harry Shearing, Councillor, Tendring Council or through Colchester Evening Gazette – email gazette.letters@nge.com.