A historic fountain has had to be removed from its home after being damaged by would-be thieves.

At present, it is thought that repairs to the water fountain on the junction of Station Road with the High Road in Loughton will cost around £1200.

The damage was first noticed by police in the early hours of this morning.

Councillor Caroline Pond, chairman of the Council’s Environment and Heritage Committee said: “This is an historic landmark in the High Road and is one of the few working drinking fountains left. 

“This is attempted theft and we hope CCTV will identify the culprits."

According to local historians, the fountain was originally erected in 1870.  It was knocked down by a bus in thick fog in 1934, but was soon rebuilt and survived the Second World War However, in the mid-1990s it was deemed to be in need of repair and the District Council removed it.  

After the creation of the Loughton Town Council in 1996, responsibility was soon taken up by this body and refurbishment of the fountain and reconnection to the water supply completed in 2004.

The stone fountain has been removed to safe storage until repairs and reinstatement can be arranged. 

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Town Council on 020 8508 4200 or the police on the non-emergency number, 101, quoting incident number CF1048211213.