Wessex Water closes all public access to local reservoirs and fisheries

Wessex Water has closed public access to its reservoirs and fisheries, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

All of its community sites have been closed, including Tucking Mill Reservoir near Bath.

Kirsty Scarlett, Wessex Water’s head of community engagement, said: “This has been a very difficult decision to make as we understand the importance of outdoor space and physical activity to our communities.

“But in light of the increasing pressure and the need to protect our staff and visitors we feel this is the right decision.

“The health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff is our top priority during this difficult time and we thank everyone for their cooperation.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and new advice with a view to re-opening as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The decision means there will be no public access to Wessex Water’s sites, other than public rights of way.

However, the company is asking those who use public rights of way to do so in line with government advice on social distancing and not to stray onto the permissive paths which are closed.

Wessex Water said it was aware that a number of anglers had purchased season tickets and books of tickets and will be offering refunds where appropriate to ensure that no customer is left out of pocket.

Information on how to request a refund will be issued in due course and information will be posted on the fisheries section of Wessex Water’s website and on the Wessex Water Fisheries Facebook page.

Meanwhile, the company said it is implementing tried and tested plans to continue to supply safe drinking water and provide sewerage services.

The World Health Organisation says the risk to tap water, which is disinfected with chlorine to kill harmful bacteria as part of the Wessex Water treatment process, is low and coronavirus has not been transmitted in this way.