Work to start on designs and details of Dorchester town pump

Dorchester Town Council spoke of its support for a project to get the town pump at Cornhill working so people can use it to fill up their drinking water bottles.

The project to revive the 240-year-old pump is supported by the Dorchester Civic Society. The completion of the works will be a fitting way to mark the 50th anniversary of both the town council and civic society. 

The town pump is a popular landmark, and still acts as a gathering point for locals during New Year's Eve celebrations. 

The town pump in Dorchester (Image: Newsquest) As previously reported, Wessex Water was not able to support the works due to public health issues around the use of drink water taps, however the company said there is no issue with connecting the pump to the main water supply.

A report from Dorchester Town Council town clerk Steve Newman confirms that, for the works to enable the pump to be a drink water tap, the unit and any associated fittings would need to comply with water fitting regulations and have a satisfactory cleaning, maintenance and testing regime.

Architects Crickmay Stark have offered to contribute their services for the project, free of charge, and will sketch initial design proposals, opening discussions with the Dorset Council Conservation Officer.

• READ MORE: Plans for water to flow again from historic Town Pump

An old photo of the town pump. Designs could possibly reflect the old design (Image: Dorchester Town Council) It is hoped that the design will reflect the tap and basins which were in place when the water supply was cut off in the 1930s or 1940s.

Owned by the town council, the pump is Grade II-listed.

It is hoped the proposal will complement improvements planned for the area by the Cornhill Improvement Task and Finish Group. As part of this, the inclusion of signage about the history of the pump has been suggested.

Now, the committee is asked to give consideration as to whether it wishes to support the project, and agree in principle to a water supply, tap and basin being connected to the town pump, subject to appropriate permissions, and for the town council to take responsibility for ongoing maintenance and testing.

• READ MORE: Wessex Water would hold talks over Town Pump Dorchester

A further report will be presented to the committee in due course with design proposals and estimated costs included.

Ian Gosling, chair of the Dorchester Civic Society, said: "We're very optimistic to make the water flow again. We'd like to get it done by the end of the year, in time to mark our fiftieth anniversary celebrations. It is good news and now we can start discussions with the architect and costings to present a more formal plan."

On Sunday, September 15, the civic society will hold a stall at the town's Heritage Day, to present more information to the public.