The 1930s drinking fountain on Tooting Common has been restored to its former glory and is once again offering passers-by free drinking water – thanks to National Lottery players.

The refurbishment of the art deco fountain, on the corner of Dr Johnson Avenue and Tooting Bec Road, is part of a wider project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to breathe new life into some of the common’s most important features.

Wandsworth Council has been awarded just under £1.4 million by the fund as part of its £1.9 million Tooting Common heritage project – which also includes the restoration of Tooting Bec lido.

Deputy leader Councillor Jonathan Cook joined local residents at the official opening. He said: “I am delighted to see such a handsome structure back in use after being out of service for at least 30 years, it is wonderful to see the fountain working again and I am sure it will be there for many more decades to come.

“In a world where single use plastic bottles are having a serious impact on our environment, a free public fountain, like the one on Tooting Common, makes it easy and simple to refill your bottle.

Cllr Cook added: “Thank you to all those involved in restoring the fountain and the wider project, especially the National Lottery who funded the restoration.”

The fountain was originally installed in 1938 to commemorate local architect and surveyor Joseph James Jones who funded a trust to benefit local schools. For further information about the project visit www.tootingcommon.co.uk