The drop is 30 feet into the water

Holcombe Quarry near Shepton Mallett has been disused for 15 years, and has become a major attraction for swimmers and divers during the hot spell.

On Sunday, a woman, who has not been named, fell on to rocks and had to be airlifted to hospital after injuring her back.

Extra patrols, new fencing and road barriers are now in place, particularly as cutting gear has been used to gain access.

David Weeks, from the owner, Hansen, told the BBC: "We have a huge problem here. It is fraught with danger and we have been lucky not to have had a death. We have to stop people getting in."

The drop from the edge of the quarry is about 30 feet and locals say accidents are rare, providing jumpers are careful.

One swimmer, Joel Doorbar, said: "It is safe so long as you assess the risk factor."

It is hoped that the quarry can be leased to an organisation that would run it as a leisure attraction.