A BOURNEMOUTH resident has criticised the decision to turn off the Pier Approach water fountains, with the council saying that it is was an “open space” issue.

Ewa Kusmierz told the Daily Echo how she is “unhappy” that children are not able to enjoy the fountains after a decision was made to turn them off during the summer.

She said: “BCP Council spent a lot of money on the fountains, but over the last six years they've been in use just half of that time.

“The council says that it will help to improve the area, but surely they should have thought about that before spending so much money on something like that.”

Bournemouth Echo: Pier Approach water fountains not expected to be turned back on this seasonPier Approach water fountains not expected to be turned back on this season

The fountains on Pier Approach just off Bournemouth beach were introduced in 2015 as part of a revamp project that cost the then Bournemouth Borough Council £4 million. As well as the fountains, new-look paving, benches, lighting columns and steel leaf structures were constructed in what Bournemouth council described as a "landmark" tourist information kiosk.

However, Ewa says that the fountains are a “waste” if they cannot be used on hot summer days.

She said: “I have been in contact with the council and was told that there is an issue with pedestrians passing.

“I’m just really unhappy that a little bit of fun in summer has been taken from the children in the area.”

In response, a BCP Council spokesperson said: “We would like to ensure that visitors to Pier Approach have access to as much open space as possible, given the large increase in visitor numbers recently experienced.

“Therefore, we are not currently operating the water fountains to ensure a safe experience for all.”

The spokesperson also said that they believed the fountains would be closed for the rest of the season.