A CAR park on the Quantock Hills is closing for a week during essential repair work.

Withyman’s Pool car park, also known as Wilmot’s Pool, on Quantock Common has suffered slumping of the surface, causing ruts and potholes.

The car park is in the heart of Quantock Common and is surrounded by lowland heathland, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the special plants and animals found here.

As with many of the informal car parks on the Quantocks, Withyman’s Pool was naturally formed from many years of informal use, making it liable to issues, particularly following bad weather.

With the slumping of the car park surface, users have started driving onto and damaging the sensitive habitats.

The repair works will scrape the existing car park surface level and fill potholes, allowing drivers to use the car park safely as well as allowing more vehicle to be able to park there.

Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) manager Iain Porter said: “We are pleased to be repairing the car park, working with all partners to ensure visitors can continue to use it when they visit Quantock Common.

"This essential repair work is the first phase of a longer project that aims to improve the car park for both users and to protect the adjacent heathland.”

The Quantock Hills AONB service in partnership with the landowner will be undertaking the work starting on Monday, March 6 and lasting five days.

During this time the car park will be closed to ensure the safety of users and contractors.