Save Our Beer Barrel Fountain: Burton’s Brewing Heritage at Risk (again)

Tucked away at the side of the old brewery on Station Street stands a silent reminder of Burton’s brewing greatness - a three-tiered fountain made entirely of beer barrels. It's a bit tired these days, a little unloved, and certainly weathered by time. But even now, it's unmistakably Burton: bold, industrial, and full of character.

 

Sadly, this unique piece of local heritage is now under threat.

 

A planning application (P/2025/00717) has been submitted to demolish the Beer Barrel Fountain altogether. That’s despite original development plans clearly stating it would be preserved and relocated as part of the regeneration. Now, those promises appear to be headed for the scrapheap.

 

Let’s not allow that to happen.

 

 

A Second Life for a Local Icon

 

Yes, the fountain needs a bit of TLC. But it’s made from solid materials and could be dismantled, restored, and given a new home somewhere that celebrates Burton’s legacy - perhaps the new High Street / Washlands development, or in the Market Place, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy it.

 

Saving it would be more than preservation - it would be a celebration of who we are as a town.

 

What You Can Do 🍻

 

We need to act quickly and together if we’re going to save it. Here’s how:

 

✉️ Email East Staffordshire Borough Council
Send your objection to the demolition to dcsupport@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk
Remember to quote the application number: P/2025/00717
You'll need to include your address too so they know you're local. 

 

🗣️ Tell our MP, Jacob Collier
Let him know this matters to you: jacob.collier.mp@parliament.uk

A short message is all it takes. The more people who write in, the stronger our voice becomes.

 

The fountain might not be the prettiest thing right now, but with a bit of imagination - and pressure in the right places - this could be one more piece of Burton’s brewing story saved for the future.