Wilmot's Pool car park, also known as Withyman's Pool, is set to be closed for a week while essential repair works are carried out.

The car park on Quantock Common has been forced to close after it suffered slumping of the existing car park surface, which caused ruts and potholes.

Wilmot's Pool is surrounded by lowland heathland, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the plants and animals that can be found there.

This has attracted many visitors to the area, and Wilmot's Pool was formed after years of informal use. Not being a purpose built car park, it is more susceptible to issues such as slumping which can be brought on by bad weather.

In a statement the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Service said: "Slumping of the car park surface users have started driving onto the sensitive habitats causing damage. The repair works will scrape the existing car park surface level and fill pot-holes allowing users to use the car park safely as well as allowing more vehicle to be able to park within the car park."

AONB Manager, Iain Porter, said, “We are pleased to be repairing the car park, working with all partners to ensure visitors can continue to use the car park when they visit Quantock Common. This essential repair work is the first phase of a longer project that aims to improve the car park for both users and to protect the adjacent heathland."

The works are being carried out in partnership with the landowner and are set to begin on Monday March 6 and last a total of 5 days. The car park will be closed for the duration of the works to ensure the safety of users and contractors.