Definitely not expecting it to be the jewel in their crown, Gary Richmond, and his partner Linzi Betts are nervously waiting for the return next week of a historic fountain which will be plonked outside their jewellery store in March, Cambridgeshire.
It will put to the test their argument that Fenland District Council, who sanctioned the move, that previous mock ups of the road outline “gives absolutely no perspective of the size/scale of the structure for us or our neighbours”.
Gary, along with many others, campaigned to place the historic fountain elsewhere, one favoured option being near to the river where a former shelter weas demolished.
WHEN THE COUNCIL KNOWS BEST!
But Fenland Council remains adamant they knew best and next week the Coronation foundation will be reinstalled much closer to Mr Richmond’s shop than when he last viewed it.
“The Grade II listed landmark has undergone significant repairs and restoration to enhance its historical and aesthetic value to the town and ensure future longevity of the canopy structure,” said a council spokesperson.
“The refurbishment project, undertaken as part of the wider March Future High Streets Fund regeneration works, addressed a variety of issues, including cracks and damage to the structure.
“In addition to repairs, the entire canopy has been repainted, revitalising its appearance, and making it a vibrant focal point for the community. The reconstruction also includes the original historic fountain steps.”
The fountain, which was built to celebrate the Coronation of King George V in 1911, was dismantled in June ready for its refurbishment to begin and to allow works on the transformation of Broad Street to start.
A specialist restoration contractor carried out the refurbishment in agreement with Fenland District Council’s conservation officer.
Unusually for Fenland Council they have left a ‘spokesperson’ to explain the fountain’s return.
The spokesperson added: “The relocation of the fountain to its new home within Broad Street was not just a restoration project, but part of the overall effort to revitalise the area and increase footfall and social interaction in the town centre.
“By enabling greater appreciation and enjoyment of the historic structure, it’s hoped.”
Fenland District Council rejected opposition to the move and says work to dismantle it.
The spokesperson said the relocation of the fountain was approved by its planning committee.
“The fountain will be moved a few metres from its current position, at the top of the central reservation in Broad Street, to what will become a new pedestrianised, public realm area,” said the spokesperson.
Planned work to dismantle the fountain was postponed to protect nesting doves.
