A ‘vandalised’ historic drinking fountain in the town centre is set to be restored.

The ‘dog fountain’ in Market Place, by St Laurence’s Church on Friar Street, is a Grade II listed Victorian gothic drinking fountain.

The drinking fountain dates back to 1860 and features a large bowl and two small drinking bowls at the bottom, hence the name ‘dog fountain’.

READ MORE: The Reading surgeries, hospitals and halls providing coronavirus vaccines

Reading Borough Council (RBC) has submitted a planning application for the works.

The works, which will cost around £30,000, are to “repair vandalized stone elements using like for like materials and not a conservation”, according to the council.

The material to be used is Ancaster Hard White, a tight grained limestone from Lincolnshire.

READ MORE: Reading supermarket granted 24/7 licence

Bruce Edgar, the council’s conservation and urban design officer, said: “It is essentially, like for like repairs and is supported, as it will help conserve the historic listed fountain, and add to the general amenity of Market Place.”

Repairs include:

  • Replacing missing carved stone finial
  • Replacing missing springer relief carved as a flower
  • Replacing two coping stones with carved crocket
  • Replace one missing crocket
  • Cleaning of all stonework

Conservation works were previously carried out in 1990.

The works are funded by Reading Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure levy on developments, which funds projects for the improvement of public spaces and amenity.