Vandals destroy water fountain in St Peter’s Church Gardens, Wisbech - for the second time in seven months

Vandals have for the second time in seven months destroyed the water fountain in St Peter’s Church Gardens, Wisbech.

Mayor of Wisbech Councillor Steve Tierney said: “I haven’t seen the damage personally but it’s very sad that it’s been vandalised again.

“I’ve asked for the CCTV to be reviewed to see if there’s any information, hopefully we can get to the bottom of it. It’s really unfortunate that it’s been vandalised multiple times because it’s there for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s a shame some idiots think it’s an appropriate way to behave.”

Photos of the fountain smashed into several pieces posted on social media this morning have already been seen by dozens of members of the Wisbech Discussion Forum Facebook page.

One person said: “I have lived here 75 years and the vandalism seems to be getting worse every year.

Another said: “I remember the original fountain with the fish well. I was saddened to see that one destroyed. Now, after a few months, the new one has gone the same way. What has gone wrong with this town?”

A third person added: “Oh how awful, such a feature in the gardens.”

A fourth called it an act of “mindless vandalism” while another described the incident as proof that more officers are needed on streets.

In July 2017, a new water feature was needed to replace the one destroyed by vandals six weeks before.

Fenland District Council replaced the fountain and renovated the pond after vandals damaged it in May.

A replica of the original 1963 fountain was chosen and the pond fish were temporarily rehomed before the authority’s contactor ISS Landscaping got to work.

A new pump and filtration system were fitted and the pond repainted. The fountain was then installed and the fish were returned.