Delight at £5k to restore fountain
A Bath neighbourhood has been granted thousands of pounds to repair its historic fountain.
The Grade Ii-listed structure in Bear Flat was built in the 1800s for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.
Located on The Gore, a triangle of grass between Wellsway and Bloomfield Road, it is a local landmark.
But the old drinking fountain has fallen into a “parlous state” and needs extensive work to bring it back to its former glory.
So Bath and North East Somerset Council has granted Bear Flat Environment £5,000 to repair the historic structure.
It forms part of the Bear Flat Association’s movement to make the area more welcoming in a bid to boost trade.
On their website, the association said: “The Gore has been rather neglected over the years.
“In particular, the Grade Iilisted Victoria drinking fountain is in a parlous state and the land has become a farm of utility boxes.
“We at the Bear Flat Association have been looking at how the area might be improved, including saving the fountain and improving the overall landscaping.”
They hope to remove the utility
boxes and restore the fountain to working order, with two new pedestrian crossings on either side.
Local architect Nigel Spragg will help with planning the repairs and Wessex Water is in talks to get the old fountain running again.
Repairs will be funded by the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) grant.
CIL funding is awarded by the council to projects which will improve existing facilities to benefit local people.
Councillor Jess David, cabinet assistant for neighbourhood services, said: “Small projects like these improvements to Bear Flat drinking fountain are so important in giving local areas a lift for the community to benefit from.
“As part of the wider project,
it’s going to improve the image of The Gore for residents and for people passing through, encouraging local trade.”
Gareth Somerset, chair of Bear Flat Environment, said: “The fountain is situated close to the centre of Bear Flat but has been in a state of disrepair for many years.
“The Neighbourhood CIL grant will allow much-needed and essential repairs to take place to preserve this piece of local history and to enhance the centre of our community.”
Winston Duguid, ward councillor for Widcombe and Lyncombe, said: “I am delighted at this decision. Much is talked about our Roman and Georgian heritage in Bath; here is an example of Victorian heritage, which should not be forgotten.”