Vandals prompt fountain switch-off.

The All Saints fountain in All Saints Square, Rotherham

CONTINUOUS vandalism of the All Saints fountain in Rotherham town centre has made it such a hazard it has to be turned off at night.  

The fountain, which is used by children to paddle in, has had broken bottles, food and litter dropped into it.  

Hooligans have damaged metal grids on the fountain causing the sharp edges to rise.

In February Rotherham Council spent days cleansing the fountain’s filter system after yobs poured washing up liquid into it. This cost nearly £600 to repair.  

The council says there's also been anti-social behaviour from young people riding mountain bikes and skateboards who congregate there at night. 

Principal engineer Graham Kaye said: “The Council has seen an increase in maintenance costs for the fountain year on year because of the anti social behaviour and in maintaining the safety of the fountain.”

Continual damage to the fountain’s pump means it will need to be replaced in the near future, costing the council approximately £10,000 to £15,000.  

The council decided this morning that the fountain should be turned off from 6pm to 8am in the hope that it will stop mindless vandalism. 

Freezing temperatures in winter have also caused the fountain and nearby pathways to become icy and dangerous to pedestrians. 

The council has decided that the fountain should be turned off from December to March to avoid this.