There are hopes that the historic drinking fountain on Richmond Green will be back in use in time for this week's Coronation bank holiday weekend.

The 19th century drinking fountain has been out of operation after someone appears to have deliberately damaged it.

The well-known landmark and meeting point was restored and reopened in 2021 after the Friends of Richmond Green were awarded funding through Richmond Council's Civic Pride Fund.

Before it was restored the water fountain, which dates back to the 1860s, became badly damaged, cracked and stained with moss.

The Council awarded £5,000 from the Civic Pride Fund towards renovating the facade of the fountain. Further cash was raised through donations from film and television productions filmed on Richmond Green, and contributions from other grant funders.

The Friends of Richmond Green said: "Sadly someone had removed the push button on the drinking fountain so it didn't work. The new part has been ordered and I hope the fountain will be working again by this coming weekend."