New plans are under way to have Clacton's popular water feature re-opened for the summer season.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has considered a number of options for the fountain after it was closed last year as a precautionary measure.

It was shut down due to concern about the water quality and the effect that could have on people's health.

Michael Talbot, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at TDC, said due to the concerns raised by Environmental Health Officers and confirmed by the Health Protection Agency, as well as an investigation by an independent consultant, it was decided that the water treatment system was inadequate for a fountain which children played in regularly.

Harry Shearing, TDC's Portfolio Holder for Technical and Procurement Services, said the main priority is to reopen the feature as soon as reasonably possible without posing a risk to people's health.

The Council is now proposing to put a one metre fence around the outside and restore the fountain as a decorative feature.

The aim of the fence and new signage is to prevent direct contact with the water jets, and especially to stop children playing in them.

"Part of the issue has been the popularity of the feature and the fact that it was turned into something of a children's playground," said Cllr Shearing.

"Whilst it is great that the children loved it and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, concerns were raised whether the water quality was high enough to allow people to play in the jets without potential health risks.

"The concerns were increased by the sheer number of children, who regularly played at the site, which itself also adversely affected the water quality."

Cllr Shearing said that, after considering all the options, it was felt that a well-designed fence and signs were the best way forward.

The cost of the fence, if approved, is likely to be around £20,000.

Cllr Shearing added: "The existing underground plant room is not big enough to accommodate the extra water treatment equipment which would be required.

"The cost of extending the plant room has been looked at but was decided too expensive. A decorative fence is therefore seen as the most sensible and cost-effective solution."

Cllr Talbot said the Council's first consideration must always be the health of its residents and that would never be put at risk.

"Genuine concerns were raised about the water quality and we have acted responsibly to deal with them," he said.

"While no one wanted to turn off the feature and spoil people's enjoyment, this had been done in the interests of public and environmental health."

9/4/09