A TINY uplands village once relied on a fountain for its water supply.

But with the passage of time, what used to help slake the thirst of the people of Easington, east Cleveland, has become a source of sadness.

The old structure has fallen into neglect and disrepair.

Now moves are being made to restore the listed structure, built by the four daughters of Victorian village rector Dr Morehead, to its former glory.

No one is keener to see the fountain cleaned up and made a key feature of the village than Farmer Joe Wood, who owns the land on which it sits.

The 69-year-old, who has researched its history, said: "The water was relayed down the village but the then owners had the first call on what was a limited, dwindling supply and it was often turned off."

Over the years, he has tried to protect the fountain, but has faced an uphill battle.

The height of the road is now above the level of the fountain.

"When it rains it washes all the debris down into the fountain. Even if there were kerbs between it and the road, it would help," he said.

Tom Foster, chairman of Easington Residents' Association, said: "We would like to see it cleaned up and brought back. We think it could be an attractive feature of the village."

Councillor David Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, has written to the North York Moors National Park about joining forces in a restoration project.

"I have always been conscious of the history of this fountain and the part it has played in the history of the village," he said.