Call for action as Dundee City Square fountains remain off amid vandalism fears

A Dundee councillor is calling for the City Square fountains to be brought back to life amid concerns the water features look “unattractive”.

The fountains were switched off in August 2024 after a spate of anti-social behaviour.

No timeline has been given for when, if at all, the water fountains will be switched back on.

Now Liberal Democrat councillor Craig Duncan has urged the local authority to take action.

“The fountains don’t operate, which is an unfortunate saga”, he said.

“Mischief makers apparently used to put foam in them so the council stopped putting them on.

“I think what everyone would ideally like is to have the fountains on the go again.

“But if they are just going to get abused then it might be better to maybe plant them up with something rather than just leaving them empty and not looking very nice.

He added: “They don’t look very attractive at the moment.

“The bottom line is, the current situation with the fountains is not acceptable.”

The Broughty Ferry councillor also raised concerns about continued vandalism and damage in the City Square.

He said: “I was in the office the other day and noticed the planters were in a sorry state.

“They are wooden, and I think they get vandalised a lot.

“If you go down the steps to Crichton Street one of the overhead panels is missing.

“Given the City Square hosts graduation ceremonies and all the rest of it, in my view, you need to keep it looking halfway decent.”

A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “Perspex panels have been ordered to replace the missing and damaged ones at the steps to Crichton Street.

“Meanwhile the fountains continue to be closed due to malicious vandalism, and consideration is currently being given to other uses.

“New planters are being procured for City Square and will be in place this summer.”