SHOPPERS are being told to stay out of fountains in Dorchester's Brewery Square - which are a popular draw for children to run through and play in - to maintain social distancing.

The decision has been branded 'ridiculous' and damaging to local businesses by one frustrated resident.

Paul Champion, who lives in Frampton near Dorchester, was shocked when his sister and nephews returned from a visit to Brewery Square and told him there were signs up warning that the fountains are only a visual feature, and should not be entered due to social distancing measures.

The sign says: "Please stay out of the fountain water. To help support social distancing, please note our fountains are currently on as a visual feature only, and we regret that they should not be entered at this time.

"Thank you for your co-operation."

Mr Champion, a gardener, was surprised to hear that the bosses at the shopping district have taken the 'ridiculous' decision and thinks 'it's not a good call at all'.

He said: "I think bosses are using social distancing as a ridiculous excuse to shut the fountains and stop the kids having fun, when they were designed for that purpose.

"My kids loved going there when they were younger and my nephews aged five and seven love it. It's such a nice thing having small children playing in the fountains and now it has been taken away."

Mr Champion, 48, thinks that the decision to close the fountains to the public will damage local businesses as parents may choose to go elsewhere if their children have nowhere to play.

He said: "Those fountains are a massive draw for people to come in so businesses that are desperate for trade after the last year-and-a-half will suffer now.

"A parent with small kids will go to the fountains so they can play and then might have a coffee or pop into the shops and spend money, but now they won't. It's not a good call at all."

Charlotte Spracklen, centre manager at Brewery Square, said: "We want our fountains to be enjoyed by everyone who visits Brewery Square, while ensuring health and safety standards are continually upheld.

"As a result, we decided to keep our fountains on as a visual feature only this year, and have maintained this stance to ensure we’re operating in the best interests of our visitors and staff, while adhering to the latest government guidelines.

"We plan to review our decision next year."