State-of-the-art drinking fountains to be installed across the Vale
Over the coming weeks, the Vale of Glamorgan Council will be working to install drinking fountains at various popular sites across the Vale.
The decision will see over £40,000 invested in the units and their installation. It comes from a bid to see improvements made to the community’s services and surroundings.
One of the largest incentives has been to reduce the use of disposable plastic bottles, especially over the summer months. The free bottle filling stations will provide both an environmentally and economically friendly alternative to buying bottled water.
It also comes as part of the Council’s improvements to outdoor spaces. Many of the areas have recently been upgraded, with some now offering outdoor sports, gym and play facilities.
The Council hopes that the fountains will bring the spaces together, whilst also encouraging visitors to stay hydrated during their activities.
A total of 14 units will be installed, either alone or in pairs on the following sites:
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Barry – Central Park, Knap Gardens, Romilly Park, Upper Gladstone Gardens, Barry Island Promenade.
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Penarth – New Cogan Leisure Centre Skate Park, Cliff Walk, Penarth Seafront.
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St Athan – Lougher Place.
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Dinas Powys – The Murch or Bryn y Don Playing Fields.
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Ogmore-By-Sea – Main Car Park.
The areas have been selected due to the high foot traffic and number of visitors.
In 2014 fountains of the same type were installed in Belle Vue Park. They were the first of their kind in the UK, boasting a triple tier fountain with bottle filling facility, disabled access and adaptations for dogs.
Five years on and the fountains are well-maintained and have been deemed a great success.
The industry-leading units are extremely hard-wearing, and with appropriate maintenance are set to last 25-30 years.
Director of Environment and Housing, Miles Punter said: “This is a fantastic incentive to ensure people of all ages stay hydrated over the summer, especially in areas where they are being encouraged to get active.
The provision of free, clean and convenient water can be overlooked, and it is refreshing to see the Vale of Glamorgan Council paving the way for its residents to live healthier lives in all aspects.”
Some units will be installed in forthcoming weeks, whilst others are earmarked for projects which will be completed later this year.