When Dudley's market place fountain was built in 1867 Elihu Burritt, the American Consul in Birmingham, said it was 'the most costly and superb fountain in England'.

Today, nearly 140 years on, the contrast between then and now could not be greater. The fountain has long stopped discharging water. Litter and vandalism have plagued the site. Coloured glass has been lost and even the heads on two statues have gone missing.

The fountain as it is today

After the Town Hall, which used to stand in the centre of the town, was demolished the Earl of Dudley expressed his desire to put a fountain up in its place. The structure, which now has Grade II listing, was designed by celebrated scottish sculptor James Forsyth.

He also carved the famous Perseus and Andromeda fountain at Witley Court in Kidderminster, former stately home of the Earls of Dudley.

This massive structure was restored last year at a cost of nearly £1 million.

Once the Dudley market fountain was completed ­ at a cost of £33,000 ­ it drew praise from high quarters.

The Art Journal of 1867 described it as 'the most important and elegant work of its kind that we have ever seen' and it was also looked upon favourably when the model was unveiled for the first time at the Paris Universal Exhibition in the same year.

Made of red and grey granite and Portland stone, the upper part represents the heads, necks and forequarters of two seahorses.

In between them a pyramidical pedestal was occupied by the figures of industry and commerce, with figures of agriculture and mining also featured.

Two lion heads discharged water into bowls, originally designed to quench the thirst of passers-by.

At the sides were two dolphin heads, which spewed water into lower receptacles for animals to drink from. The fountain was formally presented to the town on October 17 1867. Over the years the fountain fell into disrepair. There have been various suggestions about moving it.

In 1965 it was proposed that the fountain be taken away to improve traffic flow but the old structure remained in place and partial restoration was carried out.