VITAL repairs to a popular fountain will begin this week.

The work on the fountain in Centre Square, Middlesbrough, is required because some of the granite slabs which form the base of the water feature, each measuring more than 2m by 1m, have become unstable.

This is due to a design problem which has only become apparent following a sustained period of use.

Workers will be at the site from today. A crane will be used to lift the slabs.

The fountain will be fenced off while the work is carried out, which is expected to take about four weeks.

Further enhancement work to Centre Square is also being undertaken as part of the council’s on-going Capital Programme.

Councillor Paul Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for Streetscene Services, said: "Centre Square is a unique focal point in the town and the fountain has proved a very popular attraction within it.

"It is obviously important to ensure that the fountain is structurally safe and the need for these repairs was brought about by a design fault which could not have been foreseen.

"However, we hope to have the fountain back up and running as soon as possible for people to enjoy throughout the rest of the summer."