Revamped fountain high and dry again

An historic Black Country fountain has broken down - just weeks after it was reopened following a £17,000 refurbishment.

The landmark Bloxwich Fountain, which dates back to 1891, has been left high and dry because its filter keeps clogging up with leaves.

Campaigners who have been supporting the project in Promenade Gardens say they are disappointed it is out of action just weeks after its grand unveiling. It was switched on on July 31 by Mayor of Walsall Gary Clarke.

The fountain was removed from its plinth in February 2009, and the space was empty for more than a year as the monument was restored and its base completely rebuilt.

The project was delayed for months while funding was being finalised, before the big switch-on last month.

The Friends of Bloxwich Parks Group is currently raising money to get the painting of the fountain finished off with silver details and embellishments.

Kate Frost, secretary of the group, said: "It's annoying because it has cost such a lot of money to have it done.

"We are working our guts off to get this money to get the painting of it finished, and it's not working.

"We can't spend the money we have already spent again.

"We can't keep getting this money and having it spent, and the fountain not working."

Resident Esther Norris, aged 90, Park Road, added: "Some people haven't seen it when it's been on. It's nice to just sit here and watch the world go by."

The 16ft structure, which cost £170 in 1891 and was paid for by public subscription, has been a variety of colours since its installation.

It has now been painted malachite green and a fence built around it to stop vandalism and children falling into it.

Councillor Mike Bird, leader of the council said: "The fountain's pump has been temporarily switched off to allow a new filter which prevents leaves from clogging the system to be installed.

"It will be switched back on after our contractor has refilled the pond."