Looks like the derelict fountain in Laura Place could be filled with water and working again by the end of March. Only problem is the planned restoration work involving students from the City of Bath College will not now be possible so it’s going to have to be make-do and mend for now.
The plan had been for restoration work to commence in January, managed by the College as a curriculum project for their stonemason students. Unfortunately the College has encountered unforeseen problems that have prevented them from now being able to undertake the work during this academic year.
As a consequence the Council has decided to proceed with the necessary replacement of the water pump and cabling and test out operation with a view to undertaking any patch repairs needed to the masonry to allow the fountain to be brought back into use for the 2014 season.
Liaison with the College will then continue with a view to their proceeding with the original plan for full restoration of the masonry when they are in a position to be able to deliver this.
This may not now be until next year but, whilst the delay is regrettable, this was concluded to be the best solution in terms of achieving the original aims of a community project whilst enabling the fountain to be brought back into use this year and also ensuring value for money from public funds.
If all goes to plan the fountain should be operational by the time the fountain would normally be switched on at the end of March.
