A campaign to get water flowing through a Victorian fountain in East Oxford looks set to be shelved.

For 18 years campaigners, led by Erica Steinhauer, of the Plain Traders' Association, have been trying to bring the fountain at The Plain, which was built in 1899, back into use.

Last September, Oxford City Council's east area committee agreed to support the principle of bringing the fountain back into use. But now concerns have been aired that it would be destructive and would involve substantial work.

Ms Steinhauer said: "I think it would be a great pity if it does not happen. What they are proposing to fund instead is incredibly expensive cosmetic nonsense. The fountain is a symbolic entrance at the heart of the lower east side of Cowley Road."

A report due to be considered by the committee on Wednesday asks councillors to approve a programme of improvements, including stone cleaning, decoration of the clock tower and repairing the weather vane - but not the plans for reinstating the water.

English Heritage and the city's conservation officer, Nick Worlledge, did not want the water supply reinstated.

English Heritage historic buildings inspector Dr Kathryn Davies said the work would be "destructive of the original fabric" and added: "There is no longer any need for a supply of potable water in this location and indeed, it could be seen as inappropriate to attract pedestrians across this very busy and complex road junction."

And Mr Worlledge expressed concern that getting water running would mean dismantling the stonework core.

Sid Phelps, who called for the committee to support the plans, said he was disappointed that it was not possible to be "creative in finding a solution".

The proposed restoration work, costing £15,700, would be funded by the committee, a city council historic buildings grant, Magdalen College and Oxford Preservation Trust.