Historic Ironbridge drinking fountain campaign hoping to progress this year

The fountain is currently standing above Ironbridge's Waterloo Street car park, but originally took pride of place in the town square.

It was originally put in the square as a tribute to The Reverend John Bartlett, who brought fresh drinking water to Ironbridge in the 1800s – saving countless lives in the process.

It was built with his wife, Susannah's authorisation after his death in 1861, and was in place by 1862.

The fountain, which is owned by Telford & Wrekin Council, remained at the site until some time in the 1960s when it was removed as changes were made to the square to make space for bus bays.

The civic society has been leading on a campaign to reinstate the fountain to its original site, and has so far raised around £17,500 for the project.

It is estimated that the costs of relocating the fountain, and carrying out work to the square, would be more than £40,000.

Viv Moore of Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale Civic Society said there were opportunities for funding to support the project, with potential for the council to apply for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

She said: "If it would be possible for the council to put in a Heritage Lottery bid as soon as possible we know we could reach our target."

She said she hoped that progress could be made on the project during 2025 - particularly with the plan being close to the hearts of a number of the town's elderly residents.

She said: "We are working hard with the council on the plan. The passion is amazing, it means so much to people."

She added: "It is not just the group, Ironbridge has a high elderly population and many people remember it when it was in the square and they have been very proud of that, so for the people of Ironbridge who have contributed so much in donations and support, to know it was coming back would be a great lift."

Mrs Moore said that when the fountain was created it was to improve health, and was intended for 'our children's children'.

She said that one of the women working to restore the fountain to its original place was in fact one of those 'children's children', illustrating its importance as a historic part of Ironbridge's community.

Mrs Moore said that the group would continue to hold fundraising events, with a couple planned for the New Year, as it looks to support the cost of moving the fountain back to pride of place.