CHILDREN playing in the fountains in Brewery Square have been told to keep noise to a minimum.

Flyers outlining ‘rules’ for the area have been handed out and grandmother Krystina Aldous feels as if children are not welcome in the area.

She said: “I often take my grandchildren, William and Darcie, to play in the fountains. It’s a cheap and cheerful day out and they absolutely love being able to run in and out of the water.”

The leaflet reads that noise must be kept to a minimum and children must be clothed and should not be sent into the fountains wearing nappies. It added that no ball games can be played and the use of bicycles, scooters and skateboards is prohibited.

The final lines reads: “Brewery Square reserves the right to switch off the fountains at any time if any of the above rules are seen to be broken. We would like our visitors to enjoy the fountains but public health and safety must be prioritised.”

Dorset resident, Krystina added: “I can’t believe children can’t just have fun playing with the water in the sun with their tops off and just in shorts. I think this will deter visitors. Children get hot and will want to play in the fountains in their bathing suits and make noise - but I understand there is a limit to the noise as there are residents in the area.”

Centre manager of Brewery Square, Charlotte Spracklen, said flyers were introduced as a “polite reminder”. She said: “We must remind visitors that the water is re-circulated through the system, meaning hygiene is our upmost priority.”