Residents say tourists choking fountain

ROME, May 7 (UPI) -- Rome residents say the city's famed Trevi Fountain is losing its splendor as tourists crowd around it and deface it with discarded garbage.

Some in the city are calling for an all out ban on tourist coaches near the fountain, which is constantly crowded by thousands of sightseers, The Daily Telegraph reported Monday.

"There are 20 times as many people arriving as the streets can bear," said Fabio Nicolucci, a member of the local council. "Everyone is pleased that the roads will be resurfaced in July, but it is not enough.

"There is structural damage," he said.

Standing at a proud 85 feet high, the Trevi is Rome's largest fountain. It was constructed in 1762.

Joining the call for a ban on coaches is the Trevi residents' association, which is made up of those living and working in the area. Spokesman Giuseppe Scognamiglio said coaches should steer clear and make way for foot traffic.

"The council has to understand how it is for the residents who have to cope with the tourists every day," he said. "The rule on coaches would help a lot."