Paddling ban in Trafalgar Square

Plastic signs have been put up in Trafalgar Square's fountains, banning visitors from paddling in the water.

The signs, branded "tacky" by critics, have appeared 160 years after the first fountains were built on the site.

The ban spells the end for an age-old tradition of cooling down in the square's waters on a hot summer's day - often after a few drinks.

Some of Britain's finest hours, including VE Day and football and rugby world cup victories, have also been celebrated there.

The signs - four in each of the two fountains - state "Not safe for public use" and come complete with no entry symbols.

The move is thought to have been largely prompted by fears that the Great London Authority (GLA) could be sued by revellers who injure themselves slipping over in the water.

It will fuel concerns, however, that Britain's growing compensation culture is so out of control that authorities are being forced to stop pleasurable activities that might be dangerous.

The Diana memorial fountain was closed for months and had ?200,000 of modifications after a series of accidents at the site in Hyde Park. It finally reopened last month but paddling is now forbidden.

Trafalgar Square's popularity has increased since the north end, by the National Gallery, was pedestrianised in 2003. The GLA has had a policy of stopping people getting into the fountains for some time but the signs - put in place this week - are designed to ensure everyone knows.

A spokesman for Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "It is necessary to remind the public that the fountains are not a suitable place to bathe. The signs have been introduced to protect the fabric of the fountains. As a new initiative, they will be kept under review."

Pat Stedham, who was captured on film as she celebrated in the fountains on VE Day in 1945, said she thought the signs were unnecessary.

She added: "I can't see what harm is done by being in the fountains." Angie Bray, the Conservative culture spokesman on the GLA, said: "It's a shame to lower standards by putting up cheap and tacky signs."

Work on Trafalgar Square, which was designed by Sir Charles Barry, began in 1840 and took five years to complete. The present fountains were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1939.