A controversial water mist feature will be turned off for the winter, it has been confirmed.

The spraying metal rings in the new-look Market Square in Dover will run dry this month, before being switched back on in the spring.

It comes just two months after the structure was officially opened on August 9.

At the time, it was a welcome cooling off point during the record hot summer, and many praised it.

But some questioned the use of water as a drought was declared in Kent on August 12 during the driest summer for 50 years.

One public commentator posted on KentOnline: “Only Dover could spend millions on something that looks awful and wastes water during a drought.”

Another said: “With a water shortage I hope this uses rain water and not public mains to run.”

Dover District Council (DDC), a co-partner in the project, in August said the water feature would not be permanently on and its hours of operation could be controlled.

It also added that water restrictions had not been imposed on the district.

Despite above-average rainfall last month, national reservoir stocks were still at 52% of total capacity according to the Environment Agency on September 28.

A council spokesman said: “There will be a seasonal switch off of the water feature.

“Although we haven’t set an actual date, it is set to go off in October and to be switched on again in the spring.”

Contractors have also been spotted inspecting the eye-catching feature.

The council spokesman added: “There have been ‘snagging’ items completed under the main contract on site, and a monthly planned inspection and maintenance visit.

“These are covered under the existing contracts for the scheme.”

Last month a cheeky driver used the feature as a car wash, driving back and forth inside the rings to give the vehicle a full dousing.

The four metal rings are part of a wider £3.6 million revamp of the Market Square.

This also includes improved seating, a raised terrace and a light display.

A space to host events and for people to meet throughout the day and into the evening are also incorporated.

Wide paved areas have been designed so that cafés and pubs can offer alfresco dining.

The original idea for the improvements to the square came from the the business group Dover Town Team.

Supported by Dover District Council and Dover Town Council, it submitted a £2.44 million bid to the government’s Coastal Communities Fund.

That supports economic development projects in coastal areas across the UK.

The works were supported by Kent County Council and undertaken by FM Conway Limited.