ONE of Liverpools most popular fountains has reopened after being out of action.

But who pays the repair bill has not yet been settled.

Liverpool Council is locked in discussions with the designer and constructor of the Williamson Square fountain over who should foot the bill.

It is understood that further work may have to be done to the fountain to make sure it does not break again.

Labour opposition councillors fear the bill could be a substantial sum, but the council will not discuss it as negotiations are confidential. Last night tourism leader Cllr Gary Millar said he was pleased the fountain was being used once again.

He said: It is great to see children playing in the fountain again.

I think things like fountains contribute to people feeling happier.

It makes people smile when they walk past the fountain.

The £1.1m water feature was installed in 2004, and was the first public fountain to be created in Liverpool in 30 years.

It was part of a £5.75m transformation of the square which included new granite paving, the planting of 11 trees and new seating.

It was the first project to be completed under the £73m City Centre Movement Strategy (CCMS), which won an award last week.

But the fountain was closed down last summer after heavy rains caused the pump room to flood.