THESE are the first pictures of the green oasis set to replace the controversial fountains outside Hyndburn Council's headquarters.

The decaying water features were originally built as a showpiece at Scaitcliffe House, Accrington, to complement the regenerated Globe Centre in 1999.

But the £150,000 fountains only worked for a few weeks and were labelled a 'joke' by politicians.

Now after nearly five years the fountains are finally expected to be replaced with a more traditional public space, including a piece of public art.

Plans for the £30,000 scheme show that when the fountain is replaced the paved area will feature trees, floral borders and seating.

The centrepiece will be a historic wheel from an engine donated by Church-based firm William Blythe, which will be built into a new sculpture. The wheel was once part of an Ashton Frost steam engine used in textile production at the India and Primrose mills in Church, and the move has been welcomed by local Civic Trust leaders.

The council has admitted that the fountains need replacing.

A spokesman said: "We are pleased to be moving ahead with this project now. The fountains have attracted a lot of public criticism over the years.

"It's good we are now in a position to sort this out. There are a lot of people involved in putting together this proposal and our aim is to replace the fountains with a feature that will improve the townscape and that public will enjoy."

In the past the fountains have come under ridicule, as their original blue colour was slowly replaced by a green stain and water left in the 25 metre by three metre structure, built using European funds, was left to stagnate.