Fears fountains could be cut off (From Swindon Advertiser)

Fears fountains could be cut off

12:56pm Monday 7th January 2008 in News By Hayley Court

DANCING fountains at a Swindon shopping complex are facing an uncertain future.

For years the fountains have delighted visitors to the North Swindon Orbital Retail Park.

But now cost fears, and worries over who pays for them, could see the popular fountains switched off.

Councillors representing the area say that Asda Wal-Mart runs the fountains and has full responsibility for them.

But a spokesman for Asda says the matter is out of the company's hands.

He said: "We used to run the dancing fountains but they haven't been ours for a long while.

"I agree it would be a pity if they went but it wouldn't be down to us."

Asda claims that it is the park's site management which foots the bill for the maintenance of the fountains and any damage to them.

Repeated attempts by the Advertiser to contact the office have failed.

Coun Bernice Shailes, of Haydon Wick Parish Council, said: "Nobody seems to be taking responsibility for the fountains.

"We always thought they belonged to Asda but they say they have nothing to do with it now.

"Either way they should stay open - they are fantastic draw for families to the retail park."

Coun Justin Tomlinson, Swindon Council's portfolio holder for leisure, culture and recreation, and who also represents the Abbey Meads ward, said: "I can quite understand that the fountains would be costly to maintain and it would be a great shame if they were closed.

"I know that a lot of families like to enjoy them when they visit.

"I had heard that paperwork regarding the closure had come into the offices but it's not clear who maintains the fountains anymore."

Coun David Renard (Con, Haydon Wick) said: "I am 99.9 per cent sure this is Asda's responsibility and it would be great if they could find some way of saving it.

"When there's a problem with litter on that part of the retail park, it is their responsibility to clear it - not the council's.

"So I would think this would be the same.

"The fountains have become a real landmark for the area so anything that can be done to keep them open must be."