A popular beauty spot and nature reserve just 25 minutes from Bristol has been closed off after safety concerns were raised.
Backwell Lake has been shut off to the public for the last week while work is carried out to the car park. It is hoped the lake, owned by Wessex Water, will re-open on Valentine's Day.
A spokesman for Wessex Water said: “Backwell Lake car park is being resurfaced to improve access for all visitors. For safety reasons the site has been closed for the duration of the works, reports Somerset Live.
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“Provided no unforeseen issues arise, the site will be reopened on Monday 14 February.”
The lake is well used by local people for recreation and to walk their dogs. It's home to a variety of wildfowl including a flock of swans.
Backwell Lake which feeds into the River Kenn was created in the mid-1970s as an urban drainage system to control flooding. This is still its primary purpose however the area has evolved into an important site for wildlife and recreation.
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Designated as a County Wildlife Site (CWS) and a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) the 20-acre site is surrounded by marshy grassland, mature trees and dense scrub.
It is home to several protected species including bats, greater crested newts, otters, barn owls, swans, ducks and breeding birds.
In recent years work has been carried out to install a gravel path around the lake and viewing platforms created.
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