Though not functioning for quite some time now the Piazza Fountain continues to receive visitors and attention from concerned citizens. One community-minded resident recently redecorated the fountain to improve the aspect of the Grade II listed monument and get it ready for when, with some minor improvements, the water can be turned on again.

There has been significant work behind the scenes in drawing up all the required surveys and reports needed to apply for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the fountain to its original grandure. One local company, Winleafe Precision Engineers have been very cooperative in taking one of the seals that stops the buckets from leaking, which are now in need of replacement and improvement, and designing and producing a new prototype seal which once tested can be used throughout the fountain as we progress towards full restoration proposals.

Before the recent repainting took place the local resident, who is also a specialist builder, repaired the spalling reinforced concrete of the structure and made sure it was now prepared for a longer life and water-proofed for future generations. The fountain was repainted in the colours more recently applied which will not be the final colours once the HLF have given the go-ahead for a full-scale refurbishment of the Piazza Fountain. The images are of the newly repainted fountain.

These images show just what can be done when public-minded people get together to make a difference where they live. We are really grateful to our resident for his commitment and dedication to his community and specifically to the restoration proposals for the Piazza Fountain.

You can find out more from the dedicated Fountain Restoration page on Merseyside Civic Society’s website HERE.