AN HISTORIC village landmark has been given a new lease of life under a renovation project by Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust.

The Victorian-built Fountain of Life has been renovated by the organisation as it seeks to revitalise the area at the corner of Station Road and Main Street, providing an attractive focal point for the community.

Built in 1885, the drinking fountain and has been fully refurbished, including replacing the fountain top and its supports.

The Biblical inscription on the monument reads 'With thee is the Fountain of Life', which is verse nine of Psalm 36. The area around the fountain has also been revamped, with new paving, stone wall and planters, bike racks plus attractive seating and tables.

Funding of more than £12,000 has been provided for the works, including generous anonymous donations, support from Burley Parish Council and Burley and District Chamber of Trade, as well as in-kind support from Bradford Metropolitan District Council's highways department.

A new bench was also bequested and installed in memory of Margaret and Ernest Barker, previous proprietors of the Corner Shop.

Much of the work has been completed and co-ordinated by Tom Sumner, with help from local craftsmen and businesses, including carpenter and joiner, John Myers, who has made such a splendid job of the fountain.

Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust chairman, Duncan Ault, said: "We set out to improve one of Burley’s most recognised landmarks and provide an attractive focal point for the community to enjoy.

"A lot of hard work, some voluntary, went into this major project for the trust, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved.

"We also couldn’t have done this without the support from the community and generous anonymous donations, as well as the trust’s own significant contribution to the project."

The Fountain of Life and the surrounding area will be officially opened at 3pm on Monday by Bruce Speed, chairman of Burley Community Council, which funded the last refurbishment in 1982.

The Rev Tim Perkins, of Burley Methodist Church, will also attend and give a blessing. The event is open to all and the trust hopes Burley residents will join them to celebrate the overhaul of the popular village feature.

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