The first images of what a remodelled Market Square fountain would look like have been released today.
The popular water feature has been turned off for 11 months because of contamination and Northampton Borough Council is asking for views on whether it should be fixed.
To help people decide, an image of what the remodelled and working fountain would look like has been released today.
Councillor Tim Hadland (Con, Duston), cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We have just announced a major programme to improve the attractiveness of the town centre to visitors and businesses and we know the fountain is very popular, particularly in weather like we have currently.
“But we can’t ignore the fact that a significant amount of money would need to be spent to be sure that the risk of contamination, however low level, is as controlled as possible.
“So we will ask people using the town centre whether they think this is a good investment, or whether we should leave the fountain switched off.”
The fountain was installed under Northampton Borough Council’s previous administration in 2010 at a cost of £98,000.
Water quality levels are tested regularly and when results revealed higher than normal levels of bacteria in August 2012, the fountain was turned off.
Since then, the borough council has been working with a variety of specialists to see if low-level contamination of the water can be completely prevented.
The specialists’ recommendation is to remodel the fountain to include a raised pool around the water spouts that they say will make contamination far less likely.
The work would cost around £50,000 and take up to 16 weeks to complete.
A consultation will be run throughout the summer so that people can have their say on whether they support the cost of work to turn the fountain back on, or whether it should be turned off for good.
Over the summer months, council staff will be out and about in the town centre to capture views. The Borough Council will also be writing to town centre businesses to ask for their views.
People can also have their say online by visiting: www.surveymonkey.com/s/northamptonfountain
The consultation closes on Monday, September 2.