VISITORS to Stockton town centre need not worry if the High Street’s popular fountains are not in operation on some occasions this winter.
The fountains, which have become a firm favourite with residents and visitors alike, automatically shut down when temperatures drop to one degree Celsius or below.
The safeguard protects the fountains’ inner workings from frost damage, while cutting off the water minimises the risk of the fountains area freezing over.
After a cut out is triggered, the fountains will only be switched back on once an inspection of the fountains area has determined that it is safe.
Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Councillor Bob Cook, said: “The fountains are a real focal point on the High Street and this feature is built in to ensure they can continue to operate as often as possible during the cold winter months.
“However, there will be times when the fountains are switched off due to freezing conditions and if the temperatures stay low they will remain switched off until they rise.
“We know the fountains are enjoyed by many and we wanted to let people know about this safety feature so they don’t think the fountains are broken.”