TWO water features in the centre of Great Malvern are to be switched off for repairs - with vandalism suspected in one case.

Malvern Hills District Council has decided to turn off the Malvhina and Enigma fountains on Belle Vue island, to allow for tests and repairs to be made.

It follows the discovery that both of them have been leaking water on to the nearby road and pavement, posing a potential health and safety risk.

The Enigma Fountain has been damaged over time due to vandalism and people walking on it. Repair work has recently been carried out to fix a leak but further investigation is now required.

It is believed damage to a drain could be behind the issue with the Malvhina fountain, but it needs to be turned off so a survey of the damage can take place and repairs made.

The two features will be turned off tomorrow (Wednesday) and will be turned back on as soon as the causes of the leaks have been identified and fixed.

Cllr Paul Cumming, the council's portfolio holder for finance, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment caused by the decision to temporarily turn off these two popular features. However, it’s important as it will allow us to get them properly assessed and repaired.

“We’re aware of recent speculation and rumours around the future of the Enigma Fountain and I do not want people to misinterpret this latest unfortunate development. So let me be clear, we have absolutely no plans to remove the Enigma Fountain or Malvhina Fountain and we are committed to maintain them.

“Switching them off is a temporary measure and we are determined to get both of them back up and running as soon as possible.”

Both water features are the work of artist Rose Garrard. Malvhina, named after a legendary Celtic princess, was unveiled in September 1998.

The Enigma Fountain, which celebrates the life and work of Sir Edward Elgar, was officially opened in May 2000 by the Duke of York.

Both use water which comes from springs on the eastern slopes of the Malvern Hills