AN HISTORIC horse trough is to stay where it is in Sanders Park after the collapse of a two-year scheme to put it back in the centre of Bromsgrove.

Experts who looked into moving the trough back to The Strand estimated the cost at around £10,000 and it is crumbling so badly it would probably fall apart in the process.

Solicitor Matthew Horton came up with the idea of putting the trough - which measures ten feet by seven feet and six feet high - back in front of his Strand House offices after a 30 year absence.

Bromsgrove District Council first considered the move in August 2001 but the Executive Committee will be told tonight (Wednesday) that it will have to stay put.

"I'm disappointed," Mr Horton said. "It would have been lovely to see it back but the practical difficulties outweigh the advantages.

"It's not in good repair. There's a great danger it would fall apart if it was lifted."

The trough was donated by the daughters of town clerk Benjamin Sanders after his death in 1910. They also gave land for the park which bears their name.

Des Clarke, Bromsgrove Society chairman, said they had been asked to help and an expert had studied the reinforced concrete trough.

"The estimate for the work was £10,000," he said. "It's probably better left where it is."

Mr Horton said he had not given up hope and would pursue the plan if anyone would share the costs.

"My worry is that it will be forgotten where it is and will slowly crumble away."