PEOPLE will soon once again be able to drink from a fountain in a Somerset town – more than 150 years after it was installed.

Work to restore a grade II-listed Victorian-era fountain in Market Place, Shepton Mallet, is underway.

Believed to have been inaugurated in 1868, the fountain was decommissioned some time ago. However, now, 156 years on, it will soon be back in use by the people of the town.

Shepton Mallet Town Council has spearheaded a project to bring it back into use, obtaining listed building consent for works to connect the fountain to a fresh water supply.

Funding has come from the Drinking Fountain Association, while a specialist construction firm is carrying out the work.

The fountain, in Market Place, Shepton Mallet, is believed to have been installed in 1868. Picture: SMTC

“The challenge was finding a design which complied with modern Water Regulations and construction standards, while also respecting the heritage character of the structure,” a council spokesperson said.

“Work began 2021 to assess the feasibility of modernising the internal workings of the fountain and reconnecting it to the mains fresh water supply.

“Work was carried out by Bristol Water prior to the resurfacing of the Market Place to enable a new fresh water supply to be brought to the base of the fountain.”

Once the works are complete, the drinking fountain will be operated with a standard push-button tap which will be protected with a shroud to avoid environmental contamination.

The team on site are also hopeful they will be able to reinstate the system by which overflow water from the main tap fills up the dog bowl at the base of the fountain – meaning even our canine friends will be able to enjoy a drink from the fountain.

“This will mean fresh drinking water will be freely available from the drinking fountain for all to enjoy,” the spokesperson added.