EMERGENCY repair work has been carried out after Dulverton leat ran dry.

The problem was that, given the holes in the medieval weir, the level of water in the river was too low to flow through the leat.

It ran dry during the evening of May 25, Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWAT) officers met on-site on June 2 and within 24 hours the leak was being staunched.

The team carried out remedial work to restart a flow of water in the leat pending more significant repairs.

Philip Hull, trustee of Dulverton Weir and Leat Conservation Trust, said: “This prompt action demonstrates the council’s commitment to sustaining the Dulverton weir and leat system and bodes well for future co-operation in saving this important medieval heritage asset.”

He said the problem that arose was especially disappointing in view of the work carried out by the trust and SWAT – and after the excitement of seeing otters there.

Cllr Marcus Kravis, executive member for assets, said: “The council has a statutory obligation to keep water moving through the medieval weir and leat system and I am glad that we were able to move swiftly to restore water flow on this occasion.

“We value this historic waterway and are proud to be working together with the trust on longer-term plans to restore this ancient waterway to its rightful place as part of Dulverton’s heritage.”