VIDEO: Work starts to remove Horsham's Shelley Fountain

The process of removing Shelley's fountain has started. 15-06-16. Pic Steve Robards SR1617039 SUS-160615-123423001

Fencing was put up around the Rising Universe sculpture earlier this morning as workers prepared to pull down the controversial landmark.

Horsham District Council (HDC) voted to remove the fountain back in April, which has cost in excess of £200,000 in repairs and maintenance since its installation.

A spokesman for HDC said: “The Rising Universe sculpture (known locally as the Shelley Fountain) is shortly to be removed from the town centre.

“Contractors will be on site from Wednesday June 15 to start the work to remove the central globe and satellite arms of the sculpture and consequently, Heras fencing is currently being erected around the area to create a safe working environment to facilitate this work which should take some two and a half weeks to complete.

“The splash pool area of the site will remain and form the backdrop to a new planting scheme as part of additional landscaping enhancements to the pedestrian area at the end of West Street.

“The new planting will include some 16 birch trees which will complement the council’s recent improvements to the greening of the surrounding area which also includes new semi-circular planters in the Carfax and floral planters in West Street.

“The new landscaping will provide a more attractive environment whilst further consideration is given to future options to improve the wider Bishopric area which is being developed as part of the Town Centre Vision for Horsham later this year.”

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