RESERVOIR renovations are to take place at several inland waters in West Devon to make them more accessible to local communities and tourists.
Major developments are planned for Roadford Lake, which will include an improved cycle track, footpaths and picnic facilities, in the next 12 months.
Longer term plans include providing a motorised fishing fleet, youth sailing, canoeing and fishing equipment and a wetland centre.
Burrator Reservoir will see an ambitious set of developments in the next two years which will include improved access for the disabled and better facilities for walkers.
The improvements at Lopwell Dam will be more modest but will all be carried out by 2003.
Mary Tavy is also planned for improvements, with an upgraded footpath and more seating at view points, and by 2004 there will be a Hydro Visitors Centre.
Meldon and Fernworthy reservoirs are both earmarked for improved footpaths and seating at view points, and the latter will also get a refurbished fishing kiosk within the next year.
Improvements are also planned for reservoirs in Cornwall, and the South-West Lakes Trust programme will include a total of 28 reservoirs across the region.
The Lakes Trust charity says it will be involving local communities in projects as they develop, and points to its fund-raising work with Broadwoodwidger parishioners to build a community hall at Roadford Lake as an example.
Director Evelyn Stacey said: 'Over the past year, we have been reviewing the facilities we manage and have talked with visitors and local people about potential improvements.
'We have also had a discussion with a wide range of organisations, councils and voluntary bodies.
'The sites have high conservation value and many are well-used by the community. They are also valuable to the local economy as they act as a focal point for tourists.
'We aim to bring basic facilities into the 21st Century — something of which we can all be proud,' she said.