Fountain campaigners see water hopes dry up

A BID for the water supply to be reconnected to Bacup’s Coronation fountain again looks set to come up dry.

The fountain restoration was agreed by Rossendale Council in December 2019 as part of the Bacup 2040 Vision and Masterplan. As such, it was included in the High Street Heritage Action Zone bid which has now been secured.

However, Lancashire County Council (LCC) has once again refused their request to reinstate water in the centrepiece St James Square feature, citing “safety” grounds.

Campaigners The Bacup Fountain Group claim that restoring a flowing fountain enjoys overwhelming support from local residents and business alike.

The group had asked for LCC to make a decision before July 20, but it appears to have fallen on deaf ears. They say they also have the backing of Nuneaton Borough Council, who have their own working fountain called the Dandelion Fountain, situated on a road island in the town centre.

Chair Janet Boon told the Free Press: “We have all

●● Lancashire County Council has again refused a request to reinstate water to Bacup Coronation fountain been through a difficult period with the COVID-19 pandemic and Bacup has struggled to get through it.

“Rossendale Borough Council has worked really hard on the Bacup 2040 Vision and Masterplan with local businesses and residents and I hope we are successful in getting through to the next stage.

“Hopefully, we can continue to carry on with the excellent work local businesses and the council have put into the town and get our local cafes, shops and businesses back up and running. Seeing the water flowing in the fountain once again would further demonstrate that Bacup really is on the up. The money is in the bank, we just need the support, permission and co-operation of LCC.”

Rossendale council deputy leader Coun Jackie Oakes said: “We welcome the opportunity to restore the fountain as part of the 2040 works and funding bid.

“One of the concerns initially raised by LCC was water being splashed onto the highways. This design is based on a similar scheme from Nuneaton which will ensure there will be no water splash onto the highway.

“We’ll do everything we can to make this restoration happen.”

LCC said although a working fountain was situated at the roundabout in the past, this was under “a significantly different road layout”.

Their spokesman said: “We can’t support restoring a water supply to the fountain as this location is now a busy roundabout, where a water feature is not suitable due to issues with road safety. However, we would support an alternative way of showcasing this attractive local feature if the group wished to pursue this.”

The fountain was donated by the Bacup Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II and water flowed for more than half a century.