A Fife monument could soon be restored to its former glory.
A St Andrews councillor has instigated a campaign to upgrade the Major George Melville memorial fountain.
No water has run through the Market Street feature for years, but Bill Sangster hopes that could change.
He said: “The Melville fountain was intended to be a focal point in the centre of St Andrews. Over the years there have been many requests to have it working again.”
Mr Sangster insists current works in the area make this a perfect time for the development.
He said: “Now that Market Street is undergoing a major roadway improvement scheme I have taken the opportunity once again to gauge the possibility for the fountain to be upgraded at the same time.”
It would require installing power connections and replacing pipework.
Mr Sangster insisted initial inquiries have shown the development to be “feasible”.
He said: “If the fountain is made to work, Fife Council would be very interested in a local body taking on the responsibility for the management and running of the project.
“An approach has been made by a company which advises that it is feasible to restore the fountain and have the day to day working managed almost automatically.”
Mr Sangster is trying to find out the cost. He said: “I am in the process of getting maintenance costs as well as any other expenses which could be attributed to the running of the fountain.
“My talks with Fife Council departments have, so far, been very positive.”
The councillor appealed for any local organisations which may be interested in spearheading the project in the long term to come forward.
He said: “Before more expense on equipment is committed, it would be a major step forward if a local body or organisation could be identified to adopt responsibility for the long term operation and administration of the fountain.”
Mr Sangster hopes the community council will support his proposals. He said: “I have ascertained that this fountain is a recognised common good property. I am asking the community council to give me an indication as to whether I can have their backing to progress my investigation into the scheme’s viability.”
Major George J Melville, who lived from 1821 to 1878, was a novelist and poet. The memorial fountain was built two years after his death.