Worcester fountains could flow less to save council money

The fountains at South Quay operate between April and December

Fountains and water features in Worcester could be operational on fewer days in a bid to save money.

The city council has proposed shutting off a fountain in Cripplegate Park and fountains at South Quay for longer, which would save about £21,400 a year.

The facilities, which it said currently cost around £35,600, would be available on 100 days a year, compared to 168 and 233 respectively at the moment.

Officers have recommended that councillors reduce hours at both sites.

The authority's policy and resources committee will be presented with a list of options, including shutting both water fountains completely and closing the Cripplegate Park fountain to save the South Quay ones.

The money it currently costs to run the two facilities includes £28,000 for servicing, maintenance and repairs and a £6,600 electric and water bill.

The fountains at the South Quay next to the River Severn are switched on between 09:00 and 19:00 for 233 days a year between April and December.

The fountain in Cripplegate Park runs 24/7 for 168 days from April until the end of September.

It takes £30,000 to operate the South Quay fountains and about £5,600 to run the Cripplegate Park facility.

Cutting the number of hours at the two sites is a ploy by the council to bring operating times in line with the city's splashpad in Gheluvelt Park.

Councillors agreed a month ago to reduce the number of days the splashpad opens a year from 166 to 100 - saving about £26,000 a year.