The crowning glory of Ashley Cross Park in Poole, an original Victorian fountain, has suffered damage to its top bowl.

The 120-year-old cast iron fountain received a large chip to the bowl as work was carried out to improve the water flow.

People who saw the incident feared for the 8ft tall fountain, which is topped by an otter holding a fish but the damage was not critical and fountain was being repaired straight away.

“In making some final adjustments the contractor needed to lift the fountain and unfortunately it toppled over causing some minor damage,” said Clive Smith, head of leisure services at the Borough of Poole.

“This damage will be fully repaired at no cost to the council,” he said.

This is the latest incident concerning the Parkstone park. Work on the £360,000 restoration began in January and was due to be completed by Easter.

However the fountain and some of the park was opened and it is now expected to be fully open by the end of May.

Funded by developer contributions, it will include petanque pitches, play equipment and an informal performance space.

Local business owners called in April for the work to be finished and a stink has been raised over the lack of a refurb for the old loos by Jane Jones, who organises September’s Party in the Park.

The stunning fountain is believed to be part of a structure exhibited at the Glasgow International Exhibition of 1888 and was made by McDowell, Steven and Co Ltd at the Milton Ironworks in the city.