WORK has started on a £150,000 project to refurbish the Queen's Peace Fountain in the centre of Southampton.

In 1990 the City of Southampton Society raised the money needed to install a fountain in East Park to honour the Queen’s service to the nation, plus 56 years of peace.

The Heritage Lottery Fund and Southampton City Council helped fund the fountain, which was unveiled in 2001.

A city council spokesperson said: "Over time the infrastructure of the fountain has degraded beyond economical repair so the council has started work to bring it back to its former glory using community infrastructure levy funds, which are contributions collected from new developments in the city."

Several events have taken place at the fountain over the years, including a vigil held following the murder of MP Joe Cox in 2016.

The fountain was also a focal point for the annual Southampton Council of Faiths Annual Peace Walk that took place in the city.

The walk started at the fountain before travelling through the city spreading the message of breaking down barriers and embracing multiculturalism, visiting Medina Mosque, Nanaksar Gurdwara, Southampton Synagogue, Friends Meeting House and Central Baptist Church.

It cost £150,000 with £67,000 raised by the City of Southampton Society .

The council is set to replace the water pumps with state-of-the-art energy efficient pumps which will provide an attractive display as well as recycling the water.

The authority has also agreed to replace the underground pipes, refurbish the cobbled mosaic, instal LED lamps and repair and replace the Purbeck stone structures

Cllr Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city and place, said: "The Queen's Peace Fountain is a prominent feature in the Green Flag award-winning East Park.

"A new, sustainable operating system with a water and light display will offer an attractive and cultural monument for residents to enjoy.

"We will reopen the fountain in time for the summer months, when residents and visitors enjoy our award-winning parks and green spaces."

The work is due to be completed by May 2021.