Don't splash the cash, it starts a run on the pond

FOR more than 200 years it provided a sanctuary for a privileged few and kept everyone else at the gates.

But just weeks after St Andrew Square Garden was opened to the public, park bosses are hastily erecting signs to stop people diving into the pond for loose change.

Dating back to 1770, the garden – a world heritage site – underwent a £2.6 million revamp and it was billed as a "city centre oasis" when it opened earlier this month.

Now signs are to be put up around the reflective pool warning people not to throw in coins after visitors began "raiding" its waters.

City centre councillor Joanna Mowat today described those stealing from the pool as "punks".

Ian Broadfoot, of the Edinburgh City Centre Management Company, appealed for visitors to keep their money in their pockets.

He said: "We have recently noticed that people are throwing their small change into the fountain.

"This poses a new question for us in managing St Andrew Square Garden and there have been a few concerns raised over individuals raiding the fountain to remove money."

He added: "We are assessing this situation and hope to resolve the issue as soon as possible. In the meantime we would like to encourage visitors to the garden to continue to enjoy the surroundings but preferably keep their small change in their pockets or purses."

Council and business leaders had hailed the once-private park's opening as a great step forward in rejuvenating the city centre.

But Cllr Mowat said: "There's no end to the venality of the public – 'there's money in the fountain, let's go in and get it'. I know we've got a hard economic situation at the moment but how low will people go?

"I just think it's a bit sad. Opening the park up was of great value to the public and some punk has got to ruin it for everyone."

As well as the reflecting pool, the park boasts new lighting, a cafe and a new pathway linking department stores Harvey Nichols and Jenners.

Gordon Drummond, store manager at Harvey Nichols, said he would welcome the signs only if they were absolutely necessary.

He said: "I haven't seen anyone going in to get money. I think I would probably prefer not to have signs.

"The less signs the better, but if there's a problem then maybe they are needed.

"Whenever I look out it just seems a really vibrant, thronging place and looks fantastic. As far as I'm concerned, it's a great addition to Edinburgh's parkland."

Designed by renowned architect James Craig, St Andrew Square Garden was an integral part of his New Town masterplan.

Traditionally, it was open only to a select group of local residents and businesses, which have included philosopher David Hume, who lived at No. 8, and politician and inventor Henry Brougham, who lived at No. 21.

During the First World War, the gates were opened to visiting US soldiers who camped in the grounds.

The garden has been leased for the next 50 years from the St Andrew Square proprietors.

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