Town's fountains need 'essential maintenance'

Withernsea residents say the fountains are not protected from the incoming tide in adverse weather

A local authority has defended concerns about the state of several pavement fountains in a seaside town.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said the fountains on Withernsea's Central Promenade were "in need of essential maintenance" and it was investigating costs for the work.

It comes after some residents questioned what had happened to the installation the council had spent around £311,000 on in 2018.

Jim Blake, a local volunteer said he wanted to know if it was working adding that the location was "never fit for purpose".

A pattern of 14 jets arranged in a zigzag was created to be a focal point on the Central Promenade

Mr Blake said: "I'm annoyed because firstly I think they [the council] were told that is not the right place to put it [the fountains], but they still went ahead and put it there anyway."

He said the fountains were not protected from the incoming a tide, allowing gravel and sand to get into them in adverse weather.

He added tourism was the "lifeblood" of the town and it could not keep losing amenities.

In response to Mr Blake's Facebook post on Tuesday raising his concerns, another social media user said when they were at height and working properly they were great and the kids loved them.

Fountains 'seasonal'

Referring to them as a "white elephant" she added she thought the area should be put back to how it was before the fountains were installed.

Another social media user said: "Why do we have water fountains if they're not working? It would be nice for kids to play."

At the time they were installed the council said the fountains were a "great step forward for delivery of the town's seafront improvement plan."

It saw 14 jets arranged in a zigzag pattern to create a focal point on the Central Promenade.

A spokesperson for East Riding of Yorkshire Council added: "The fountains are seasonal and are usually switched on in the summer months."

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