A drinking fountain which has been out of use for more than 50 years is finally working again.

The unique dispenser, made in the 19th century, has been “restored to its former glory” and now provides free and clean water in Red Lion Square, Hythe.

The idea to refurbish the fountain was first put to residents in 2018, when former landscaper and now town councillor Stephen Bailey asked on Facebook whether they would like to see it fixed.

The people of Hythe responded with a resounding “yes”.

He then discussed the project with the Hythe Civic Society, who in turn presented the idea to the then Cllr Doug Wade, who proposed it to Hythe Town Council.

“The motion was passed, so the project was put out to tender, and I was delighted to be asked to undertake the restoration, which was fully funded to the amount of £1,500 and overseen by the town council,” said Cllr Bailey.

The drinking fountain had been donated by Mayor Thomas Judge in 1886 and originally installed in the wall of former physician Dr Charles Fagge’s house, next door to the Town Hall in the High Street.

When Dr Fagge’s premises was acquired by NatWest bank in 1911, the fountain was relocated to Market Square (now Red Lion Square).

Cllr Bailey said there were “many stages to the project” and the “priority” was to make sure the water was clean.

He continued: “Affinity Water had to fit a new water meter and fully compliant fixtures and fittings.

“The priority, of course, was to ensure that the water quality was fit for human consumption.

“We initially sandblasted the structure to remove several layers of paint, and were struck by the level of detail in the three figures – Moses, a cherub and a woman – even to the extent of their nails being clearly defined!

“And to our surprise, we found that the backdrop above the water bowl itself was made of marble.”

The fountain was designed and sculpted by William and Thomas Wills – renowned for their drinking fountain designs – and cast in iron by the Coalbrookdale Company of Shropshire.

In 1965, increased public awareness of water quality prompted the removal of the metal cup by the Health Department, and the water supply was cut off.

“I am hoping that Historic England will recognise the aesthetic and historical significance of the fountain and that it will list it for its importance as an iconic and functional piece of work,” Cllr Bailey added.