Fenland District Council’s decision to fill in Wisbech fountain in St Peter’s Garden labelled ‘stupid’ by residents

Residents are “livid” following a council’s decision to fill in a 70-year-old fountain.

Wisbech sisters Fay Peukert, 71, and Linda Kiddle, 60, are on a mission to have the fountain in St Peter’s Garden brought back to its former glory after Fenland District Council filled it in.

Anti-social behaviour, litter and vandalism have plagued the area for the last few years, and the pair think that the authority is “burying its head in the sand” instead of tackling the issue.

However, the council has said that it has been working with other organisations and the police for many years to address the persistent vandalism and misuse of the fountain.

“Unfortunately, despite our efforts, these issues continued, creating safety concerns and a negative impact on the surrounding area,” it added.

But the sisters say it is a shame.

“They are not coping with the real problem,” Mrs Peukert said.

“We have a few people, and they sit on the benches and drink beer all day, now they are going to the toilet in the pond and up the walls.”

The women’s father, Basil Whitelam, and their uncle, Terry Whitelam, built the fountain back in 1953 for the Queen’s coronation, so it holds sentimental value to them.

“Our dad built this for Wisbech’s pleasure,” Mrs Peukert added.

“It was a pond with fish in it, and it was a treat to take children to see them.”

Many claim they were not made aware of the changes and feel as though their views have not been taken into account.

Mrs Peukert now worries that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will not be able to enjoy it.

Fenland District Council added that it “fully appreciates the sadness felt by the community” over the decision.

“We understand its historical significance and the connection it holds for many local residents and share the disappointment that it could not be preserved as intended.

“The decision to fill in the fountain was not taken lightly.”

There have been talks of it being turned into a flower bed, similar to the one in The Walks in Lynn.

However, both sisters would rather it were made into a wildlife pond instead, which could be “absolutely beautiful with stones in the bottom and plants, frogs and fish” and beneficial for children to learn about nature.

Ms Kiddle said: “I’m not being funny, but there are two flower beds on either side of the pond and neither of them has any flowers in, they just sit there.”

Kevin Rodgers, an author and historian from the town, agrees with Mrs Peukert and Ms Kiddle and says that it is a “stupid act”.

“It seems to me that, although there have long been problems with vandalism of local town centre gardens and memorials, it was very short-sighted to remove those memorials rather than solve the problem of punishing those who wish to destroy our heritage,” he added.

The council insists it exhausted all other options, and the decision was made with the agreement of groups from the area.

“Our priority is to always ensure that public spaces are safe, welcoming and well-maintained for everyone to enjoy,” the authority added.

”We will continue to work with groups and the local community to explore new ways to enhance the area and create a more positive environment for residents and visitors alike.”