Why people don't want Liverpool's Bucket Fountain to be moved; Campaigners want unique Liverpool landmark to stay where it is.

Byline: liverpoolecho Administrator

CAMPAIGNERS are fighting to keep a famous city fountain from being relocated.

The Friends of Piazza Fountain want the landmark -- also known as the "Bucket Fountain" -- to stay on Beetham Plaza (formerly Goree Plaza) where it has been since it was unveiled in 1967.

But developers Elliot Group want to build a hotel on the site, between Drury Lane and The Strand, andto relocate the fountain.

Sheila Lane, of the Friends of Piazza Fountain, who lives locally, said: "We get lots of people who come here every day and are literally mesmerised by the fountain. It is something different -- it's unique."

The Elliot Group has said the piece of artwork "deserves a more visible location", but Sheila Lane said: "We think the fact it's a hidden gem is part of its charm."

And one of her neighbours, Julie Crosbie-Chown, added: "As residents, we look after it. My concern is if the fountain is put somewhere else, it might get damaged."

Another campaigner, Tony Folan, said it is in the perfect location. He said: "It's a sound-sculpture designed to vibrate off the three buildings around it."

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An online petition has been signed by more than 1,500 people, while the Friends are supported by Cllr Nick Small, Labour councillor for Central Ward.

Richard Huws, then a lecturer at the Liverpool School of Architecture, was commissioned to design the fountain by the Merseyside Civic Society in 1962. It opened on the then Goree Piazza on May 2, 1967.

Between 1950 and 1979, Mr Huws, who died in 1980, was involved in eight fountain projects -- including in London, New York, and Tokyo. Four ended up being built (including commissions for the 1951 Festival of Britain and the 1965 Tokyo Trade Fair), but only his Liverpool fountain remains.

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Elliot Lawless, owner of The Elliot Group, said: "Liverpool wins on multiple levels if we can re-site the fountain. It'll be refurbished and restored at my expense so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come. Right now, it barely registers, although it does attract some anti-social behaviour. Our design proposals for the revamped plaza will help mitigate this.

"We can utilise its site to develop a new hotel, creating jobs for local people and much-needed rateable income for the city council to invest in vital public services."

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Credit: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo

Piazza Fountain (The Bucket Fountain) which faces possible relocation and local residents.

Credit: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo

The Bucket Fountain,onBeethamPlaza, which faces possible relocation

Credit: Mirrorpix

A young boy jumps for joy whilst looking at a modern water feature at the Festival of Britain, South Bank. The fountain was designed by Richard Huws. 28th may 1951