PLANS to introduce water fountains at parks and open spaces in Bromsgrove have taken a step forward after the council agreed to carry out a report on the idea.

Cllr Peter McDonald introduced a motion on his plan at Wednesday night's (June 13) full council meeting.

It is hoped the idea would help reduce the use of single-use plastics and encourage children to drink more water.

He said: "Communal water fountains used to be a common site.

"They no longer need to be forgotten relics of the past.

"Drinking fountains are a cost-effective way to make sure those in our parks are healthy and hydrated.

"It is a no-brainer."

The council was cited similar schemes in Bristol and Hull as two successes elsewhere in the country.

Cllr Brian Cooper, portfolio holder for finance, said his research found the drinking fountains would cost between £3,500 to £6,000 each.

And while he admitted the plan, in theory, would be of benefit to residents, he admitted not all parks in Bromsgrove could facilitate a fountain.

He said: "We have got to look at the costs."

Portfolio holder for leisure cllr Peter Whittaker added: "I think people take water bottles and they would like somewhere to fill them up.

"I'm happy to agree to it."

The idea received cross-party backing and all apart from one - Wythall Residents' Association councillor Stephen Peters - voted in favour of a report to look into the idea. Cllr Peters abstained from the vote.