Plans for commemorative water fountain to mark twinning association stagnate after tied vote at Southwell Town Council

A tied vote over plans for a public water fountain to mark a twinning association mean that the idea can’t now be revisited for six months.

Southwell Town Council’s Town Environment Committee considered a proposal for the remaining £2,800 from the town’s association with Český Brod to be used to fund a public drinking water fountain in the town centre.

The council had also looked into Severn Trent funding for a water fountain.

Southwell’s association with the Czechia town was formed in 1990, at the fall of the Soviet Bloc, to support the country as it moved a more Western European culture.

However when the nation later joined the European Union the work of the association was felt to be complete.

Residents who had previously been involved with the association supported plans for the remaining money to be used to commemorate the connection publicly – and the idea of a water fountain came because of their popularity in Český Brod.

Peter Harris explained that the council had tried to get a fountain — either new or old — from Český Brod, but had yet to have a “good response”.

“I don’t know how to proceed other than ask them again,” he said.

“They have a new mayor and have expressed an interest in reinstating our connection.”

Alternatively, the council would seek to design its own fountain.

It was suggested it would be put in the market place.

However, some councillors raised concerns about the choice of a public drinking fountain and suggested it could be unhygienic.

Peter Brooker questioned if there was a “public health issue” with drinking fountains, although Phil Barron noted that there were some at railway stations that “would have been removed before now” if it was an issue and said that it would also help reduce the use of single use plastic.

Peter Harris added that they are “so common in America” but Penny Rainbow said she wouldn’t support the proposal over “hygiene concerns” and suggested the proposal should be delayed if there was a chance the connection could be re-established.

Lynn Harris explained that the money must be used “for something for the town and a fitting way to remember the people involved in twinning”, as it had been agreed by the people involved at the time.

The vote was tied.

It was agreed the next time the proposal was considered it would be taken to full council. It cannot be re-voted on for six months and an update is expected in three months as Phil Barron will continue to explore alternative funding for a water fountain.

Peter Brooker questioned if something other than a water fountain could be agreed on and added: “I’ve no issue with having something to mark the connection with Český Brod.”

What do you think? Do we need a drinking water fountain? Is this the best way to mark the link between the two towns? Tell us your views in the comments below...