WORK is being carried out to held restore and safeguard Dulverton Weir.

Somerset West and Taunton Council is working with the Leat Conservation Trust as part of its statutory obligation to keep water moving through the system.

Initial repairs are set to be carried out along the footpath to the side of the leat from Northmoor Road.

The council is working with the trust on a number of practical and longer-term plans to restore the ancient waterway.

Cllr Marcus Kravis, executive member for assets, said: “The council values this historic waterway and recognises its importance both locally and nationally.

"This is a tangible example of the ongoing co-operation between the Trust and the council to restore the iconic weir and leat to its rightful place as part of Dulverton’s heritage.”

Philip Hull, Trustee of the Dulverton Weir and Leat Conservation Trust said: “We are very pleased that this project is beginning to make progress. As part of the Partnership Trust volunteers will take over responsibility for the operation of the leat sluice gates in Northmoor Road and this year we have a full programme of archaeological digs, arts and education events to raise public awareness of this valuable ancient monument which is recognised by academics as one of the best preserved medieval weir and leat systems in England."