AN iconic fountain in Peebles is to finally be brought back to life.

The Millennium Fountain outside the Eastgate Theatre has been plagued with problems since it was first installed 17 years ago.

Despite regular calls for it to be repaired and cleaned, the three leaping salmon have remained high-and-dry for more than a decade.

Several appeals for repairs have been made but costs and technical issues have previously ruled out any action.

This week members of Peebles Common Good Fund's sub-committee finally agreed to pump in the required cash to have the water feature operating once more.

A spokesman for Peebles Common Good Fund told us: "It was unanimously agreed to support the restoration of the Millennium Fountain and have it back in good working order."

The landmark fountain was presented to the people of Peebles by the town's Rotary Club to mark the millennium.

It was designed by the Beltane Studios to be housed within the Eastgate Theatre with both a power and water supply operating the fountain feature.

Due to technical difficulties it was placed outside the converted church.

And constant maintenance issues, due to the pump becoming clogged up with coins and debris, have seen it left sitting with a stagnant pool of water.

Attempts had been made in the past for the Rotary Club to take responsibility of the fountain, and it was even offered to Eildon Housing to be used in their sensory garden at Dovecot Road.

This week's Peebles Common Good Fund sub-committee agreed to spend £490 on having a new larger pump installed with a further £160 going towards required electrical repairs.

Tweeddale councillor Shona Haslam said: "The Millennium Fountain is seen by hundreds of visitors every week as it sits outside our iconic Eastgate Theatre.

"We are going to install a pump which is fit for purpose which will allow everyone to enjoy the fountain as it should be seen."

It is hoped the repairs to the Millennium Fountain will carried out over the coming weeks and will be operating again in the near future.