Bury St Edmunds leaders including MP Jo Churchill, mayor Peter Thompson and Cllr Birgitte Mager thrilled as agreement reached to build splash fountain on Moreton Hall estate

Leaders from Bury St Edmunds are jubilant after agreement was reached to build a splash fountain on a town estate in a campaign victory.

MP Jo Churchill joined mayor Peter Thompson, recycling guru Karen Cannard and West Suffolk Councillor Birgitte Mager to celebrate after Bury St Edmunds Town Council backed the £40,000 splash fountain near Flying Fortress Park, off Airfield Road at Moreton Hall.

The platinum jubilee splash park fountain could be operational by the summer.

Mrs Churchill, MP for Bury St Edmunds, who has been involved with the project for a year and a half, said it was a win-win for the town.

She noted it offers a chance for something in the area to be built sustainably, help promote biodiversity in the park, stating the park could become green space.

Ms Churchill added: “When I speak to families in the town, one of the key issues they raise is what can be done in the area without spending a lot of money.

“This fountain will help provide something for children to enjoy, while parents can be present, and it won’t break the bank.

“I think it will be a boon to the children in nearby schools, people who live on the estate, and others in the town who want to visit a green space that’s a bit different, and isn’t Abbey Gardens.

“This project is unique, and I’m all in favour of something a bit different.”

The project has been in the works since 2017, when childminder Tara Chandler started a Facebook group to campaign for a fountain facility.

There are already similar outdoor water facilities in Newmarket, Haverhill, Ipswich and Cambridge.

About 2,500 to 3,000 residents supported the idea.

The proposals will see it located next to new SEND school, Sir Peter Hall School.

It would see six trees planted in a circle around the fountain.

Councillor Birgitte Mager, who represents Moreton Hall, said she had been ‘fighting tirelessly’ for at least a year to bring the project to light.

She managed to secure £25,000 in funding from local businesses, including Taylor Wimpey, Jaynic, and Treatt.

The rest of the funds will likely come through other partnerships and the town council, which agreed to take it on as an ongoing project.

She liaised with a group of residents to focus on planning the project and has partnered with Leon Edwards, CEO of the Moreton Hall Youth Action Group.

Cllr Mager added: “I was tasked with this project when I became councillor and I was determined to see it through.

“It has required collaboration between councils, businesses and agencies - and the town council nearly unanimously agreed to give it the green light.

“I talked with the school about the project and they loved the idea and thought it would be perfect for the mental health of the children and people in the area.

“Go anywhere else and there are fountains everywhere, the sight of water makes you feel happy and good.”

Karen Cannard said she was happy the project had been backed.

She felt it was a lovely park, but more could be done with the space to increase things to do in the area.

Cllr Peter Thompson, Bury St Edmunds mayor, said he couldn’t laud those involved enough for their dedication to the project.

He believes it will be helpful to both the nearby schools and the community.

He added: “It’s pleasing to see so many parties coming together with a common goal and represents a new step-change in how Bury Town Council will work, and we’re thrilled to take it on as a project.