STEPS are being taken to restore and safeguard Dulverton’s medieval weir and leat system.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWAT), which has a statutory obligation to keep water moving through the system, will be carrying out initial repairs to the footpath along the side of Dulverton Leat from Northmoor Road to the Guildhall.

A multi-disciplinary team from SWAT is working together with the Dulverton Weir and Leat Conservation Trust on a number of practical and longer-term plans to restore the ancient waterway and secure the asset.

Cllr Marcus Kravis, executive member for assets, said: “The council values this historic waterway and recognises its importance both locally and nationally.

“This is a tangible example of the ongoing co-operation between the trust and the council to restore the iconic weir and leat to its rightful place as part of Dulverton’s heritage.”

The trust is a registered charity established in 2016 to promote the permanent preservation of the weir and leat for the benefit of the public. The council and the trust will be continuing negotiations to come to the best arrangement for the long term future of the asset.

Trustee Philip Hull said: “We are very pleased that this project is beginning to make progress. As part of the partnership, trust volunteers will take over responsibility for the operation of the leat sluice gates in Northmoor Road.

“This year we have a full programme of archaeological digs, arts and education events to raise public awareness of this valuable ancient monument which is recognised by academics as one of the best preserved medieval weir and leat systems in England.”