Fountain switched back on despite smell fears (From Warrington Guardian)

Fountain switched back on despite smell fears

EXPERTS have given the go-ahead for the fountain at Nantwich Lake to be switched back on after an investigation into the "horrendous smell" at the site.

The fountain, which was installed in April last year, was turned off just before Christmas after nearby residents complained to the council that the stench coming from the lake was making them feel ill.

The switch-off was the second setback to the project after the original launch date was delayed by connection problems with the electricity suppliers.

Ron Clarke, grounds maintenance and cleansing manager for Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council, said: "Nearby residents complained that there was a sort of smell coming off the water, so we switched it off to investigate.

"Our Environmental Health team are confident they've found the problem, and we know for a fact it is not methane, which some residents were concerned about.

"We believe the smell will clear of its own accord within two weeks of the fountain being back on."

The fountain, which was installed to aerate the water, prevent the build-up of blue-green algae and make the area more aesthetically appealing for local residents and walkers, had only been operating for 10 days when the council pulled the plug.

Mr Clark said that the majority of feedback from locals had been positive, and that people thought the fountain was an attractive addition to the lake.

Peter Cameron, a resident in nearby Park Road, and chairman of the local Labour Party, said: "Just before Christmas, they put the fountain off after residents complained about the horrendous smell.

"The smell was just horrific and people were actually complaining that it was making them feel sick.

"I also understand that they haven't been able to install a wind sensor that would switch the fountain off if it got too windy, and there is still rubble to be removed from the site.

"I don't think they have really thought it through, and they haven't spoken with local residents either.

"The whole thing is completely unsatisfactory."