Clacton's town centre water feature is back up and running again in time for the main summer season.

Following a meeting just eight days ago plans were made by Tendring District Council (TDC) to get it back into operation as quickly as possible due to public demand.

Following a thorough clean and testing the feature was switched back on today (June 23).

In the short term the Council has installed a temporary one metre high barrier but is looking into ways that can be removed in the longer term.

Councillor Charlie Sambridge, TDC's Cabinet Member for Technical and Procurement Services, said he was delighted to be able to announce that the water feature had reopened in time for this summer season.

"The reinstatement of the feature forms part of a longer term plan to enhance the town centre square which will include a performing arts facility," he added.

Neil Stock, Leader of TDC, admitted he had not been a fan of the feature when it was first talked about.

"However, myself and other colleagues have been convinced and acknowledge that it is both successful and attractive and is part of bigger plans we have for the town square," he said.

"We were very keen to get the fountain back in operation and not miss the summer season."

Cllr Stock said a meeting had taken place last Monday to discuss the way forward.

"I am extremely pleased and impressed that within eight days of that meeting taking place we have been able to come up with a solution which means the water is once again flowing in the town square," he added.

"While the barrier has been put in place to get the fountain on again it is the intention to investigate how we can operate the fountain without it."

Cllr Stock said that he was sure that many residents and visitors would be delighted to see the feature switched on again.

23/06/09