New installation only temporary

Refurbishment of the Cromwell Mall has been a hot topic in the town for several years but the most recent makeover was only temporary.

Bubbles filled the mall last week when a foaming substance was added to the stream running through it as a prank.

Central Otago District Council group manager community experience David Scoones said it was not the first time froth had filled the area.

The water recirculated on a closed system.

"Every year when the leaves start falling we turn the water off and sometimes someone will play this prank when the water goes back on."

While the soapy stuff gradually worked through the system, it was "not ideal".

The water was switched off again on Friday afternoon and the system flushed.

It would eventually be turned on again, Mr Scoones said.