Bury St Edmunds splash fountain initiative on Moreton Hall needs more funds and people to help with the project

An appeal has gone out for more funds to complete a much-anticipated splash fountain project.

The campaign for the play facility in Bury St Edmunds was started by local childminder Tara Chandler and in December Bury St Edmunds Town Council agreed to fund its maintenance management once it was up and running.

It had been hoped the splash fountain, near Flying Fortress Park, off Airfield Road at Moreton Hall, could be operational by this summer. However Cllr Birgitte Mager, who has been working to bring the project to fruition, said it was taking longer to complete.

She told SuffolkNews: “The splash fountain is taking a little longer to complete than hoped for due to the change in the economic environment that meant a hike in the contractor’s price, since the project was started two years ago.

“Rome was not built in a day and I am adamant we will see this amazing project through.

“As you know we have secured a commitment from the town council to manage the fountain long term.

“You will be able to see some of the work on the site that we started on utilities over Easter but to see the project to fruition we need to raise more funds. Three local companies have already been extremely generous and we are seeking support from more. We are also exploring the possibility of a lottery bid.”

SuffolkNews asked Cllr Mager how much money is still needed for the project, but was not given an answer.

It is understood that it is unlikely the fountain will be finished this summer.

Bury St Edmunds Town Clerk Greg Luton said: “This is an interesting project that we hope can get off the ground. We look forward to the final outcome at which point there is probably a role for Bury St Edmunds Town Council to play.”

Anyone who can help with the project, including fund-raising, should email Cllr Mager on Birgitte.Mager@westsuffolk.gov.uk or contact mariam.ghaemi@iliffepublishing.co.uk