A THROWBACK to a bygone era in a village’s history will be completed with the unveiling of a copy of a cherished local landmark next month.

Following a 60-year absence, a drinking fountain will once again adorn the centre of Shotley Bridge, near Consett.

A replica of a 19th Century fountain which previously stood in the village is being installed, but at a new location.

The original pant, created in 1886, was situated in a prominent location at the junction of Front Street and Snows Green Road to mark the arrival of piped water to the north-west Durham outpost.

But it was removed in the early 1950s to make way for a road-widening scheme.

Having spent many years languishing in a council depot, it has since been transferred to Beamish Museum, where it can now be seen on the edge of the town street site.

A reproduction, forming the centre-piece of a village improvement scheme, is to be installed at a new site in Shotley Bridge.

The £15,000 replica, complete with four drinking basins, will be situated opposite Rumi’s restaurant, in Front Street.

It is to be unveiled at a celebration event at noon on Thursday, May 12, marking the culmination of several years’ work by Shotley Bridge Village Trust and local councillors.

The improvements, carried out since 2014, have seen the installation of new paving on Snows Green Road, the creation of additional parking bays on Cutler’s Hall Road, the introduction of a new ‘relaxed’ seating area, plus enhanced lighting around the village.

They were funded from a £125,000 community payback arising from a housing development on the Shotley Bridge Hospital site.

A paved area with new walls and seating has been prepared ready for the erection of the replica, the finishing touches of which are being made by renovation experts, Classic Masonry, of North Shields.

To mark the pant’s return, the trust plans to publish a booklet outlining the village's history, including references to its famous sword-making and spa heritage.