Restored fountain closed for repair after just 19 days
A WATER fountain has been switched off just weeks after a £1.9million renovation – after it was damaged by people taking a dip to cool down from the summer heat.
Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, was damaged just 19 days after being unveiled from a multi-million-pound renovation by people frolicking in the water.
The bathers ignored signs asking them to stay out and caused damage.
And to prevent further disrepair the water stream has been switched off for a week until repairs have been made.the Ross Development Trust, responsible for the fountain’s upgrade, has issued a plea backed by Edinburgh Council, reminding the public that climbing on the main structure could lead to permanent damage.
David Ellis, managing director of the Ross Development Trust, said: “While carrying out some small snagging work on the fountain we noticed a few other issues.
“Due to people climbing on and accidentally damaging the fountain we need to make a number of small repairs to the waterproofing.
“We are hopeful to have these repairs completed later this week, at which point the fountain will be turned on again.
“While we appreciate everyone wants to enjoy the return of this wonderful public fountain we would ask people to refrain from entering the water to ensure the recent restoration of the Fountain is preserved.”
The renovated fountain was turned back on for the first time in eight years on July 8 after a year-long restoration project.
Concerned local Ross Vivani said: “I’m utterly saddened to hear such a lovely fountain, having just recently being unveiled has now been turned off.
“Because of some, we won’t be able to observe this amazing jewel of the Princes Street gardens running for the time being.”
Furious readers also took to popular nostalgia blog Lost Edinburgh to vent their frustration.
Louisa Sutherland said: “I saw kids paddling in the water even though there’s clear signage to say not to go in it.
“There’s nobody there to stop them so they keep doing it and their parents clearly couldn’t be bothered.”
The fountain was bought by gunmaker Daniel Ross for £2,000, after being made in France in the 1860s, and gifted to Edinburgh in 1872.