GREAT Budworth's 19th century pump used to be the only source of water in the village.

It has now run dry and £16,000 is needed to make essential repairs to get the water flowing again.

Investigations have been completed and the source of the water has now been found.

Workers discovered a chamber 10ft underground, which is fed by spring water.

But the pipe, which leads from there to the pump house, situated at the Great Budworth crossroads, is totally corroded.

Great Budworth parish council vice-chairman, Bill Anderson said: "Who would have thought that there would be a chamber 10ft underground?

"We are going to be appealing for grants from various sources to do the work - but we are obviously gong to have to raise some money of our own."

The pump's plight was highlighted in April when Stan Owen, aged 85, who used to make regular pilgrimages to the pump to collect gallons of pure water, realised it had run dry.

Mr Owen claimed the water had helped him to regain his health after he became seriously ill with a low blood platelet count.

From Roman times there has always been a drinking place for cattle passing along the road.

In 1860, the owner of the Arley Estate, Roland Egerton- Warbuton had the pump house restored.

He was known as the singing poet of Arley' and he wrote the poem, which is on a plaque above the pump.

It reads:

Blessings are in never ending love

Are put on us from Heaven above

This running stream with ceaseless flow

Springs from bounteous earth below.

Alike in both his goodness show

Whom heaven and earth make its own

Any donations should be given to Mr Anderson on 891354.