by Graham Tutthill

gtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

Councillors are being urged to reconsider the decision to switch off the fountain in Market Square and erect fencing around it whenever a major event is shown on the Big Screen.

The fountain is currently out of action because Wimbledon was being screened at the weekend, Dover Carnival went through on Sunday evening, and around 100 people watched the opera Madam Butterfly being screened on Monday night.

Next Wednesday evening (July 13) another opera, Cinderella, is to be shown.

Last month the Mercury highlighted the situation which means visitors - and townsfolk - who could be enjoying one of the town’s attractions, are faced with metal fencing instead.

The council confirmed that “as a matter of general policy” the fountain was switched off and fenced off during events on the Big Screen.

“This is to help keep sound levels from the screen to a minimum, to help promote safety, and to ensure the fountain is protected from damage while it is switched off,” said the spokesman.

On Saturday afternoon, during the Wimbledon ladies’ finals, there were only a handful of people watching the screen. The benches in the Market Square were virtually empty because the fencing was partially in the way.

On Sunday, for the men’s finals, around 50 people gathered on chairs immediately below the screen, and in front of the fencing.

Spectators also have to contend with the noise of traffic going past, and the occasional vehicle driving into the Market Square.

It is not yet known what the plans are for next year when the Olympic Games will be screened.

The situation could revive the argument that the screen - provided by the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games - is in the wrong place, and should have been installed in Pencester Gardens.

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