Diana memorial fountain is shut to public

American landscape artist Kathryn Gustafson designed the Princess Diana water sculpture in London's Hyde Park. Authorities temporarily closed the memorial in early August because of misuse by visitors.

Authorities have shut the Princess Diana memorial fountain in London's Hyde Park less than a month after its July 6 opening, citing multiple problems.

?EUR??,,????'??You could call it a victim of its own success,?EUR??,,????'?? a spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport told the Los Angeles Times. The closure was intended to be temporary, with the facility reopening with a new set of rules for visitors.

?EUR??,,????'??It's supposed to be an area for enjoyment and quiet contemplation,?EUR??,,????'?? the culture department spokesperson said. ?EUR??,,????'??Nobody fully predicted how people would choose to use it.?EUR??,,????'??

The fountain, designed by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson, is a granite-lined stream of water. Visitors flocked to the structure after its opening. Two weeks later, three children paddling in the stream were injured when they slipped and fell. Up to 5,000 people an hour visited during the first days, leaving large amounts of rubbish strewn over the area. At one point, a visitor collected water from the fountain and offered it for sale on ebay.

The memorial is expected to reopen with new rules about pets, garbage and suitable children's areas.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell blamed a few bad apples for the closure. ?EUR??,,????'??A small number appear to have acted irresponsibly,?EUR??,,????'?? she told London's Sunday Telegraph.

The fountain project cost close to $6 million to design and build.