ACCESS to Cheddar Reservoir's car parks and path will be suspended for five days because of the high temperatures forecast for Somerset. 

The reservoir is operated by Bristol Water, which has made the decision to shut the site from this evening (Tuesday, August 9) until Monday, August 15.

The water services company says this is to keep people safe and reduce pressure on the NHS.

This morning, the Met Office issued an extreme heat warning for Somerset and the south west that lasts until Sunday. 

A Bristol Water spokesperson said: “With the weather forecast to be over 30 degrees this week, we’ve made the decision to temporarily suspend access to the car parks and permissive path around the reservoir from sunset on Tuesday, August 9 to re-open for Monday, August 15, subject to changes in the weather forecast.

“This action is in line with our routine water safety practice at Cheddar Reservoir for extreme heat scenarios.

“With the extreme heat, and very little shade around the reservoir’s permissive path, we want everyone to stay safe.

“We know the water can look very tempting on hot days, but it can be extremely dangerous and we don’t want any extra pressure on the emergency services on what will already be a very busy few days for them.”

Bristol Water also thanked local people for their “much improved levels of compliance” with site rules this year and apologised for any inconvenience or disappointment caused.

Access to the reservoir was also suspended for three days in July after an amber weather warning was issued by the Met Office.