Telford watering hole to be transformed into village beauty spot

You wouldn't want to bath in it, and you would be advised not to drink there, but now a new grant will mean a modern generation of Telford residents will be able to enjoy an old community watering hole which is being transformed into a beauty spot.

Evocative early 20th century pictures of the Bath Spout at Doseley show folk filling up from the cast iron pipe and carrying pails of water on their heads or shoulders. There was a special stand or platform where people could rest filled buckets before putting them on their head.

Residents were still filling up from the natural spring within living memory.

Water carriers at Bath Spring, Doseley, in the early years of the 20th century. Picture: Ray Farlow.

Eventually the site became overgrown and inaccessible, although the original angle iron carrying the spring water remained.

But now it is to be given a revamp thanks to a £900 grant.

Bournville Village Trust, which manages the nearby Lightmoor Village, has been awarded the money through the EnviroGrant scheme, run by waste and recycling contractor Veolia alongside Telford & Wrekin Council, to improve the historic Bath Spout area.

The trust, which is a charity and housing association, wants to create a sustainable space for families and wildlife.

It plans to make improvements to footpaths and install seating, steps, and habitat boxes.

John Haywood, estate manager at the trust, said: "We are really pleased to have been awarded this grant from Veolia Telford and Wrekin.

"The Bath Spout is an important part of the Lightmoor community and is used by nearby schools, residents in the village and is part of the Dawley Heritage Trail.

Residents and Bournville Village Trust staff at the site – note the water pipe on the right

"While we've already done some work to improve the area ourselves, this money will allow us to transform it further."

Mr Haywood added: "We'll be able to create a suitable habitat to support local wildlife and hopefully encourage even more residents to enjoy and explore the space on their doorstep."

Claire Morrall, of Bournville, said: "There is still water coming from the spring.

"We are not sure whether it's drinkable, though – we haven't had it tested or anything.

"We did some work a couple of years ago to reinstate the spot so that water runs clearly through it.

"A couple of years ago it was a muddy puddle compared to how it runs through at the moment."

Trust staff and residents also carried out some improvements earlier this year at the site, which is between Lightmoor and Doseley, next to Little Green Avenue.

Ruth Jones, communications officer at Veolia, said: "The bath spout is an excellent community green space and Veolia is delighted to support it.

"The EnviroGrant money awarded to the project will enable the area to be developed and enhanced for the local people and wildlife."