Detergent found in Windsor's new fountain days after launch

The launch of a sparkling new diamond jubilee fountain has turned into a bit of a soap opera.

Less than two days after the lavish new £107,600 monument had been formally opened in the heart of Windsor, someone tipped washing up liquid or detergent into the works turning the clear, sparkling water into a soapy, sudsy mass.

Enthusiastic children had fun briefly jumping in the suds on Saturday morning before the water was turned off. But the 'joke' was not appreciated by the Royal Borough's head of leisure services Kevin Mist.

He said: "This should be seen for what it is, wanton vandalism.

"Lots of people looking forward to seeing the new fountain at the weekend were disappointed because we had had to turn it off while we cleaned it out."

The new 25-metre fountain - paid for by property developers and council contractors ISS Waterers - stands on  the corner of Barry Avenue and Goswell Road, Windsor.

It was formally opened on Thursday by Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Mary Bayliss, joined by the Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Colin Rayner and council leader David Burbage.

The open space surrounding the fountain also features a new diamond jubilee garden with white, grey, silver and purple plants and seating.

In the past the George V Memorial on the junction of Thames Street and Datchet Road, Windsor is understood to have undergone similar undignified 'soap' treatment - usually at the end of school exam time.