Local support sought to rejuvenate Newport fountain

A picturesque Newport landmark will be given a much-needed facelift if enough cash can be found.

Planning permission has been granted to refurbish the fountain in Tay Street and Fife Council has pledged £35,000 towards the £73,000 project.

Now Newport, Wormit and Forgan community council is looking to raise the balance so that work can begin.

The canopied drinking fountain, built in 1882, was donated to Newport by Blyth Martin, a member of a Dundee jute family who also donated nearby Blyth Hall. The B-listed structure, made by Walter Macfarlane at the Saracen Foundry in Glasgow, is regarded as a fine example of a Victorian drinking fountain but has seen better days.

The plan is to take the canopy to a workshop for refurbishment. Railings, most of which are likely to need replacing, will also be removed so the plinth and cope stones can be repaired.

Newport Primary School is helping with the project. To support a further grant application, the community council needs to demonstrate local support.