A FORMAL notice has been served alleging Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is in breach of a covenant to keep water running through the historic Dulverton Leat.

The leat has been running dry recently, allegedly because of holes in Dulverton Weir on the River Barle.

Now, Dulverton Weir and Leat Conservation Trust has taken the legal step of serving notice on the district council.

The trust, which is leading a restoration and preservation project for the leat, said it was working with the council to try to put matters right.

SWT said it was exploring options for the weir and leat across and alongside the River Barle and had secured £50,000 from the Somerset Rivers Trust to finalise designs for a rebuilt weir.

It said if a repair option was agreed then the trust would take over the lease for the weir and leat and maintain it in the future.

Topographical and ecology surveys had been completed and initial discussions about planning had taken place with Exmoor National Park Authority, which was shortly due to have further talks.

Final detailed designs were awaited from engineers Mann Williams which would include an indicative price for the works to show the council the extent of financial requirements for the restoration.