A newly installed water fountain will help reduce plastic waste, a councillor has said.

The water fountain, outside Highams Park Station in Waltham Forest, was installed as part of a partnership between Thames Water and the Mayor of London to install 100 water fountains across London.

The stainless-steel fountains have been designed to withstand weather erosion as well as be accessible to wheelchair users.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and cabinet member for the environment, said: “Having free access to water means even more people can get out and enjoy all the great things the area has to offer.

“Importantly, this new fountain will allow people to fill their reusable water bottles - an important step to reduce single use plastic in Waltham Forest as we look at the ways we can address the climate emergency and safeguard our environment for future generations.”

Plastic bottles make up 10 per cent of all litter found in the River Thames and can take between 500 and 1,000 years to break down, according to research by Thames 21.

National recycling campaigners, RecycleNow, estimate the average Londoner buys more than three plastic water bottles every week, with less than half being recycled.

Steve Spencer, chief operating officer at Thames Water, said: “Tap water is incredible value for money and just as good as bottled water but without the plastic packaging so we want people to enjoy it by using the fountains.

“Together we can all drive down plastic waste from single-use water bottles, helping to care for our rivers and oceans, now and for generations to come.”

Deputy mayor for environment and energy, Shirley Rodrigues, added: “With plastics polluting our oceans and causing untold harm to life in our rivers and waterways, it is vital that we all make changes to reduce plastic waste.

“The expansion of this network of water fountains is good news for thirsty Londoners and the environment. The fountains are sure to become popular additions to our public spaces, stations and busy areas across the capital.”