A natural spring used to supply water to people in rural Telford 116 years ago is set to be given a new lease of life thanks to a £900 grant.
Bournville Village Trust has been awarded the money through the EnviroGrant scheme, run by waste and recycling contractor Veolia alongside Telford & Wrekin Council, to improve the historic Bath Spout area.
The Spout, within walking distance of Lightmoor Village, was used as a sole water supply from the early 20th century by local families who didn’t have piped water.
Since then, it has become overgrown and inaccessible, but the original angle iron carrying the spring water to the Spout is still there.
Now Bournville Village Trust, which manages Lightmoor Village, want to improve the area in a bid to create a sustainable space for families and wildlife.
The Trust, a charity and housing association, plan to make improvements to footpaths and install seating, steps and habitat boxes.
John Haywood, Estate Manager at Bournville Village Trust, said: “We are really pleased to have been awarded this grant from Veolia Telford and Wrekin.
“The Bath Spout is an important part of the Lightmoor community and is used by nearby schools, residents in the Village and is part of the Dawley Heritage Trail.
“Whilst we’ve already done some work to improve the area ourselves, this money will allow us to transform it further.
“We’ll be able to create a suitable habitat to support local wildlife and hopefully encourage even more residents to enjoy and explore the space on their doorstep.”
Ruth Jones, Communications Officer at Veolia, said: “The Bath Spout is an excellent community green space and Veolia are delighted to support it.
“The EnviroGrant awarded to the project will enable the area to be developed and enhanced for the local people and wildlife.”
Bournville Village Trust is a charity and housing organisation founded by chocolate maker and philanthropist George Cadbury in 1900.
Its vision is to create and sustain flourishing communities and it does this by providing affordable housing, and estate services, in Birmingham and Shropshire.