WATER fountains should be installed at parks and open spaces in Bromsgrove to help reduce the use of single-plastic water bottles, says a councillor.

Cllr Peter McDonald believes the fountains also provide health benefits by encouraging children to drink more water.

He said: “Drinking fountains in our parks and open spaces will help people ditch single use plastic water bottles for good: providing alternatives for people who buy single-use water bottles.

“It is recognised that people need to be kept hydrated and hope that by providing more drinking fountains people will bring reusable water bottles rather than single use plastic bottles to our parks.

"We know that the regular consumption of soft drinks is associated with rising obesity levels and tooth decay.

"We also know that children will drink water when they are thirsty.

"Providing drinking fountains in public parks is a relatively simple and inexpensive solution to the problems that excessive consumption of soft drinks poses.”

Cllr McDonald's call comes after he successfully campaigned for single-use plastics to be banned from all council buildings earlier this year. 

A council spokesman confirmed his call for water fountains will be discussed as a motion at the next full council meeting on Wednesday, April 25.

He added: “Our first local business, Bayleys of Bromsgrove, has joined the national Refill scheme that means passers-by are welcome to refill their water bottles there for free.

“We’d encourage any businesses in the district to get in touch if they also want to join the growing movement to help people refill and reduce single-use plastics.”

To join the Refill scheme, contact Cheryl Welsh on 01562 732189 or cheryl.welsh@nwedr.org.uk.