Islington unveiled its first public highway water fountain in Old Street today so passers-by can stop for free refills rather than buying single use plastic bottles.

It’s the first of six such facilities coming to the borough as part of the The Mayor of London’s Drinking Fountain fund, run with the #OneLess, an anti plastic bottle campaign, and Islington Council.

Volunteers today handed out free refillable water bottles at the fountain, which stands on the Promenade of Light, near Old Street Roundabout.

Islington Council’s environment and transport chief, Cllr Claudia Webbe said: “We’re determined to take action to help cut single-use plastics, which are so harmful for our environment.

“This new drinking fountain, in this busy location at the heart of Old Street, is our first on the public highway, and will serve thousands of local residents, workers and visitors to our city, and help to cut plastic waste.”

Islington’s other new drinking fountains at St John’s Gardens, Benjamin Street (EC1M 5QL) and Highbury Fields, Highbury Crescent (N5 1RN) will be opened shortly, with further fountains to follow at Archway (Navigator Square), Islington Green and Clerkenwell Green.