TEIGNMOUTH’S iconic fountain in The Triangle came under fire in 1996 after a makeover went wrong.

One headline article in April declared ‘The recently renovated ornamental fountain was re-opened in a fanfare of publicity a year ago, and is now a filthy, stinking morass.

‘Thousands of pounds were spent on getting the water flowing again, and it was intended to be the centre piece in the new pedestrian scheme.

‘But the cascade turned out to be a trickle, and even that dried up some time ago.

‘Now the troughs are full of slimy, green stagnant water, and could even be a health hazard to youngsters or pets who might be tempted to splash around.

‘And all sorts of debris has been thrown into it, including broken beer bottles, cigarette packets and pieces of wood.

‘Now two options have been put forward for the fountain – spend many more thousands on putting it right, or turn it into a floral display.

‘Local trader Paul Barczok whose Triangle Pet and Garden Shop is right opposite the fountain, says there has been a flood of complaints from locals and tourists about its shocking appearance.

‘ “It is appalling to allow it to get into such a state, and then just leave it. At least the council should come along and clean it out even if it is not working properly.

‘ “What an advert for the resort with the season about to start.’’

Alan Norsworthy, chairman of the town steering committee, a joint venture between Devon, Teignbridge and the town councils, agreed that the state of the fountain was a disgrace.

He added: ‘’I am afraid it is the result of uncertainty over which authority is responsible for maintenance.

‘’We are having a meeting and something I will be demanding is that it is sorted out so that at least it is cleaned up.

‘’It cost £8,000 to renovate the structure, but unfortunately the central pipe was not replaced which is the cause of the trouble.

‘’It will cost another £12,000 to put right and an alternative suggestion is that we decorate it with floral displays instead.’

That was what happened, and today Mr Barczok reckons that turning off the water and planting flowers was definitely the best option for the ‘fountain’ which was still quite an attraction for locals and visitors.