A waterwall has been proposed for Derby Square in order to celebrate Epsom’s history as a spa town.

Proposed improvements at the square in front of the Ebbisham Centre, off Epsom High Street, including the waterwall, benches, litter bins, trees and ‘modest’ advertisement boards, are expected to cost £30,000.

The business community has already promised £6,000 toward the facelift and the council is exploring funding sources such as grants and donations.

Councillor Jean Smith, chairman of the environment committee, said Epsom’s heritage could be traced back to sick cows drinking at wells.

Coun Smith said: "The wonderful curative powers of the water were soon recognised and Epsom was launched as a spa town.

"Rich people came from all over and not only were they drinking the water but they built splendid houses.

"Epsom became a popular place to be and while rich people were here they started relay races.

"I think we need something to celebrate that fact in Epsom and it’s been my ambition for a long time."

She added: "Derby Square is badly in need of upgrading and improving economic vitality. There’s a strong argument that heritage brings that sort of thing."

But Lib Dem Councillor Julie Morris said her party opposed the idea of a waterwall, adding that having market stalls instead would attract more people to the square.

Coun Morris said: "I feel that once people have looked at a water feature they won’t bother to go back. What we need is something to draw people back to Derby Square again and again.

"The town has become divided by the traffic lights in the middle and we need a good reason for people to go to Derby Square."