A LADDER to allow “easier access to the River Tone” in French Weir Park has been installed this morning (Friday, August 2).

The ladders was set up behind the COACH building on an area maintained by Taunton Town Council.

Yesterday (Thursday, August 1), a spokesperson for Taunton Town Council said: “Be aware, between approximately 8am - 8.30am tomorrow, Friday, August 2, a ladder is due to be installed, allowing easier access to the River Tone behind the COACH building at French Weir.

“If you're planning to swim, there will be some disruption at this time, but it will be worth it.”

(Image: Newsquest)

Last year, Taunton Town Council worked with the Friends of French Weir group to support the application for Designated Bathing Water Status (DBWS) for the river.

Town councillors resolved to write a letter to support the group which is looking to achieve DBWS for the area by the river steps at COACH in French Weir.

It was considered that without town council support as landowners, the application may not be successful.

It was also resolved that the town council would now maintain the steps, accessing the River Tone, behind the COACH building.

The stretch of the river behind the COACH building has been granted bathing status. This means that the Environment Agency will regularly test the water and display the results to aid peoples’ decision on whether or not to swim.

This does not mean that the river is automatically safe in which to swim, and proper water safety precautions must be taken, a message on Taunton Town Council’s website read.