AS the protracted development of the Malvern Link water feature has unfolded, I have bitten my tongue.

From the 'consultation' evening (where we were presented with a fait accompli) through the BT kiosk debacle, to the very disruptive, noisy, messy and extended construction period and the fountain's erratic functioning since the official opening, I have watched with mounting incredulity, but, in silence.

However, and at the risk of publicly disagreeing with some of my friends and neighbours, I can be quiet no longer and have to register my profound disquiet about this whole project.

I have genuinely tried to get used to it, as I pass every day, but I am afraid that, for me, it sticks out like a sore thumb amidst the mostly Victorian architecture of the Link. It might look well in a modern mall or precinct, but, (with the exception of using a facsimile of the Link Stone) the abstract, bizarre and frankly inexplicable design leaves me baffled and unmoved. It has not, as I hoped, 'grown' on me. Maybe I'm a philistine?

And then there's the practicality of it. On the drawing board it looks fine. Put it on a draughty street corner, add seats that require you to be an anatomical oddity to use comfortably, make one or two fundamental errors in construction - I assume that having the surrounding tiles lower than one of the drains and a water cascade that (when it runs) splashes all over hapless bystanders' feet, are mistakes - add fallen leaves, standing, stagnant water, fast food shop detritus, bottles, cans and, this weekend, a packet of detergent, and then make it physically impossible for a mechanical street cleaner to get between the component parts and, hey presto!, you have an instant eyesore.

There isn't even a rubbish bin on site for community-minded folk to use. And has anyone thought about how safe it will be over the next few weeks when the standing water on the tiles has frozen?

As we read of new strictures on community Christmas decorations, I cannot help but wonder just how much money has been spent on this feature. I have heard figures ranging from £30,000 to £70,000; whatever, it's a lot of money.

Last year, Link residents and visitors were treated to one of the most measly and pathetic Christmas trees ever seen. This year, unless we stick a tree in the top of the fountain, we won't even have that. I hear that a tree may be put in Victoria Park; but with the present difficulties there, I hardly see that working, so we will be left without a seasonal centrepiece for the Link. Nor even (I understand), can local traders display their own mini-trees.

But, never mind: we can console ourselves with the thought that this is a water feature "to be proud of" and that it is one that "can hold its own with any other (water feature) in the country", to quote from Coun Raven's speech at the opening ceremony. Hmmm.

I am sorry to write so negatively but, frankly, this is a municipal embarrassment of the first order. Clochemerle's water feature springs to mind, in all sorts of ways.

CHARLES CLAYTON, Hampden Road, Malvern.