Problem-hit Diana fountain reopens
LONDON, England -- Visitors have returned to the Princess Diana fountain in London for the first time since it was closed for safety reasons.
Following a string of accidents and complications, a series of changes have been made at the £3.6 million ($6.6 million) monument in Hyde Park to improve public safety.
Water was switched back on at the fountain earlier this month, but Friday was the first day that members of the public were allowed back in.
They can no longer walk in the granite water feature -- as the designer originally intended -- and signs are in place around the fountain setting out new safety guidelines.
One of the first people at the attraction after gates were opened at 9 a.m. on Friday was John Loughrey, from south London.
Wearing a Union Jack outfit with a red and gold crown, he told the Press Association: "I hope there are no more problems and no more accidents now because we want to keep it running full-time and we don't want it fenced off permanently.
"Diana wouldn't have wanted that. Diana would want us to use it and paddle in it and have picnics here."
Loughrey, a 49-year-old chef, said of the new safety measures: "I am disappointed that we can't paddle or walk in it but I think it is good that dogs are not allowed in. We must keep the fountain in good condition."
The 85 by 50 meter (260 by 150 feet) fountain was beset by delays during construction. Problems continued after it was opened by Queen Elizabeth on July 6.
Complications included a blocked pump and flooding caused by fallen leaves during stormy weather.
The monument was finally shut down on July 22 after three accidents in which tourists slipped, and new guidelines were drawn up that ban people from walking or running in the water.
But while people will be allowed to paddle or dip their hands in the water, an award-winning British designer has predicted the fountain could shut down for good within in six months.
"The problem with the Diana design is that its dangers are not apparent to the user," PA quoted Rory Coonan, former head of architecture at the Arts Council of Great Britain, as saying.
"The problem is compounded by the failure to anticipate swift algae build-up on stone. Even if the stone is cleaned, algae can regrow within 48 hours," said Coonan, who designed Birmingham's Victoria Square Fountain.
"This is one slippery fountain, and I predict it will shut permanently in six months."
Visitors were originally invited to stroll through the water coursing through the large granite ring -- designed to reflect the "turbulence, excitement and energy in Diana's life."
However, Royal Parks bosses were forced to rethink their plans because of the large numbers of visitors.
Six staff trained in crowd management and first aid will now supervise the site in the summer -- cut to three in winter when the fountain is expected to be less busy.
Previously there were Royal Parks staff on hand, but the new staff roles were introduced in a bid to improve safety.
Temporary fences will also be erected around the memorial over a one-hectare area fitted with gates to allow staff to manage the number of people visiting the fountain at any given time.
