Fountains to be removed from Peterborough city centre
Action follows public vote to switch off water feature
Peterborough’s city centre fountains, which have cost thousands of pounds to repair over the years, are to be permanently removed, it has been revealed.
The move to take out the fountains and the equipment that operates the water feature, which is installed underneath Cathedral Square, follows a public vote last year in favour of permanently switching off the water feature..
But the decision has been described as ‘sad’ and ‘disappointing’ by former Peterborough City Council leader John Peach who oversaw their installation as part of a £12 million regeneration of the city centre in 2009.
However the fountains have needed regular repairs recently with costs regularly outstripping the annual £20,000 a year set aside by the council for their maintenance.
Last year it was revealed the cost of repairs would amount to £35,000 prompting councillors to order the water feature be switched off, followed by a poll to gauge public opinion that found many people would be happy if the fountains were turned off for good.
A council spokesperson said: “We have spent no money on the fountains since they were switched off last year.
"The equipment beneath Cathedral Square will be removed and disposed of.”
Mr Peach said he was sad that the fountains were to be removed completely.
He said: “It is sad the fountains are not still on – especially as they are not being replaced with anything.
"I think it is a waste of money for the council to remove the fountains. They should just be left as they are.
“I am disappointed. The fountains were intended as a water feature for the city that would help attract people into the centre.”
Some 25 fountains were installed as part of the £12 million regeneration of the city centre, which included £10 million spent on pulling down the former Norwich Union building in Church Street.
However, the cost of putting in the fountains totalled £340,000.
The money for the city’s transformation was provided by the then East of England Development Agency.