CLATWORTHY reservoir, the Brendon Hills beauty-spot which attracts walkers, fishermen and 25,000 schoolchildren a year, had improvements to its visitor centre approved by Somerset West and Taunton planners last week.

Wessex Water, which made the application, was granted planning permission for play equipment, shelter hubs, toilets, cycle racks and parking bars, and replacement of entrance gates.

Planners also approved alterations to access and turning circles, landscaping, benches and picnic tables, and the relocation of a stone monument.

The 130-acre reservoir, which opened in 1959, spans the valley of the River Tone and supplies water to 200,000 homes.

A Wessex Water spokesman said: “The Clatworthy improvement project will make visiting the reservoir easier for those with less mobility and improve the quality of the facilities provided, particularly the viewing area, for both local communities and visitors.”