TRUSTEES of Dulverton Weir and Leat Conservation Trust (DWLCT) have welcomed a visit by the High Sheriff of Somerset, Robert Drewett.

Mr Drewett said: “It was very nice to meet DWLCT trustees and thank them for sparing so much time to show me the route of the leat and to explain its history.

“I found it fascinating to learn about Dulverton’s industrial past and to see the number of mills still in existence.

“Equally, I can fully see that being able to restore the weir to its former glory would do much to enhance the town.

“I will enjoy reading the information literature provided by the trust so that I can be fully informed about the project and able to promote the merits of it to others.”

The trust has been working to save Dulverton’s medieval weir and leat on the River Barle from collapse and restore them to good condition and conserve them for future generations.

The weir and the leat are recognised as having a ‘significant national historic importance' as an ‘urban watermill landscape’ and being ‘the best preserved medieval leat in England’.

The weir was built using an oak stake and boulder technology first introduced in the UK by the Normans, and which was used throughout the medieval period.

The structure stretches for about 160 yards and at the time it represented an enormous investment in ‘cutting edge’ water power technology.

Anybody who is interested in helping DWLCT should call trustee Philip Hull on 01398 323526 or email him at [email protected].