A COUNCILLOR is calling for water fountains to be installed at every park across Bromsgrove District.
Coun Peter McDonald has put forward a motion at the next full district council meeting on Wednesday, April 25, for the idea.
And he said he would also take up the issue with Worcestershire County Council which runs several country parks, including the Waseley Hills and Worcester Woods.
“After achieving the support of Bromsgrove District Council for the banning of single use plastics on its premises, I am now calling for water fountains to be implemented in all our recreation grounds.
“Drinking fountains in our parks and open spaces will help people ditch single use plastic water bottles for good – providing alternatives for people who buy single-use water bottles.
“It is recognised people need to be kept hydrated and hope that by providing more drinking fountains people will bring reusable water bottles rather than single use plastic bottles to our parks.”
He added it also had the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of residents, especially children where there have been increases in obesity levels and tooth decay from sugary unhealthy drinks.
“Providing drinking fountains in public parks is a relatively simple and inexpensive solution to the problems that excessive consumption of soft drinks poses.”
A Bromsgrove District Council spokesperson confirmed the motion would be discussed at Wednesday’s meeting.
He also urged anyone who could offer a water bottle refill scheme to contact centres manager Cheryl Welsh via email at [email protected] or by calling her on 01562 732189.
A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said: “Whilst we do not have drinking fountains, the cafés at our two country parks, Waseley Hills Country Park and Worcester Woods Country Park provide free drinking water.”
