Letter: The fountains of Birmingham

The fountains of Birmingham

Sir: It was with dismay that I read the article by Jonathan Glancey (11 June) about the lack of fountains in our major cities. We have already learned from our twin city, Lyon, and in laying out a new network of pedestrianised streets and public spaces we have provided two major fountains.

Tom Lomax's Spirit of Enterprise in Centenary Square and Dhruva Mistry's The River at the heart of the remodelled Victoria Square both have exactly the effects he champions. They have just won us the first Fountain of the Year award from the Fountain Society. While I support Mr Glancey's call for more fountains, I would welcome the opportunity of showing him that, as in so many other fields since those original "sublime" waterworks were provided, Birmingham is leading the country.

STEWART STACEY

Chair, Planning Committee

Birmingham City Council