Severn Trent asks for extra care at its smaller visitor sites

Severn Trent is asking visitors to some of its smaller reservoirs to park responsibly.

The teams at some sites including Thornton Reservoir are urging visitors travelling by car to either use the on-site car park or turn back if it’s full.

Severn Trent says the request is being made to protect social distancing at the beauty spots and prevent nearby verge parking, which is overwhelming some roads within the local communities.

Dominic Robinson, Visitor Experience Lead at Severn Trent, said: “It’s been great to welcome back so many people to some of our smaller visitor sites recently, but we’re asking everyone travelling by car to either use the on-site car park or turn back if it’s full.  

“The sudden increase in visitors has overwhelmed roads in the surrounding areas, where parked cars have blocked access for nearby residents. This is understandably frustrating for them, so we’re asking everyone to be more considerate and drive away if there are no spaces in our car park.

“We’d be extremely grateful for everyone’s cooperation, which will help us to maintain safe distancing between visitors and protect the needs of the local community.”

Dominic added: “We’d also like to remind people not to enter the water when they’re here - our reservoirs look tempting and the ideal way to cool down, but the fact is they’re extremely dangerous. On the surface they look calm and steady, but underneath the water is extremely deep with incredibly strong currents, that even the most experienced swimmer would struggle to swim in.”

Severn Trent reopened some of its smaller visitor sites a fortnight ago after all sites were closed to keep people safe during the initial coronavirus outbreak.