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access:access_news [11 Oct 2020 19:06]
cookie [Access News] Cheddar Gorge Access 		access:access_news [10 Jan 2021 23:04]
gdprice
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 ====== Access News ====== ====== Access News ======
 +=====Star Shaft Mine Closed=====
 +
 +Following damage to the gate, the mine is currently closed pending the necessary remedial works. Please do not visit and try and open the gate as, due to its location, it has been made secure as a safety measure.
 +
 +Please check the Access Guide for updated information.
 +
 +[[canda@cscc.org.uk|Graham Price]]\\
 +Conservation & Access Officer\\
 +10 Jan 2021
 +----
 +
 +=====New Padlock Combination at Fairy Cave Quarry=====
 +
 +From January 1st 2021 the combination for the entrance gate to Fairy Cave Quarry will be changed. The new combination will be available from the major Mendip caving clubs and Fairy Cave Quarry Management Committee. A reminder that the combination must not be passed on to non cavers/climbers since the quarry owners do not give permission for general access and doing so may risk future access to the quarry. Please also use clean hands when handling the padlock, we have very occasionally had problems with the padlock due to ingress of grit, but these have been quickly resolved.
 +
 +Due to the enclosed nature of the caves within the quarry warden led trips are currently suspended. Other caves within the quarry remain open provided cavers abide by the current Government regulations etc. in particular with regard to the travel guidelines and numbers/households. However, as of 26th December the quarry is in Tier 3 and this effectively closes the quarry to all but those that live within the immediate vicinity of the quarry until restrictions are lifted. When restrictions are lifted please also bear in mind that it is not just a question of "are caves indoors or outdoors?" but more a question of "is the particular cave more like an indoor or outdoor environment?" from a Covid19 point of view.
 +
 +As in the previous statement:
 +
 +It is advised that any recommendation and advice from the Government, BCRC & BCA are followed along with the following:-
 +
 +It is recommended that you use a hand sanitiser before and after handling padlocks and gates.
 +
 +It is important to minimise risks as much as possible, therefore cave within your capability. Although MCR are operational it may take longer for a callout response from MCR and other emergency services.
 +
 +To reduce the risk of meeting other cavers underground, bearing in mind the restricted nature of the caves in FCQ, it is suggested that a discrete note be put on the dashboard of parked vehicles with just the name of cave (or cave initials) and possibly the intended route (do not put times etc). It is recommended that you have a plan “B” if you are likely to meet other cavers underground.
 +
 +Ash dieback is affecting trees throughout the Mendip area including in and around the quarry and car park. This can seriously impact on the strength and reliability of even large trees in particular during and after windy conditions. An inspection of the ash trees will be carried out in the near future.
 +
 +Fairy Cave Quarry Management Committee\\
 +Dec 27th 2020
 +----
 +
 ===== Access to caves in Cheddar Gorge ===== ===== Access to caves in Cheddar Gorge =====
  
 Further to the decision by Longleat to close the show caves and suspend their operations in Cheddar, they have notified CSCC that with immediate effect caver access to all caves on Longleat property which includes the whole south side of the Gorge, is no longer available. This includes all caves and digs, and affects sites such as Reservoir Hole, Spider Hole, Goughs Cave, Long Hole, Great Oones etc. Further to the decision by Longleat to close the show caves and suspend their operations in Cheddar, they have notified CSCC that with immediate effect caver access to all caves on Longleat property which includes the whole south side of the Gorge, is no longer available. This includes all caves and digs, and affects sites such as Reservoir Hole, Spider Hole, Goughs Cave, Long Hole, Great Oones etc.
  
-Longleat are not adverse to reinstating caver access subject to an access agreement with CSCC. Negotiations to formalise an access procedure were started at the request of Longleat a few years ago but were never concluded.+Longleat are not averse to reinstating caver access subject to an access agreement with CSCC. Negotiations to formalise an access procedure were started at the request of Longleat a few years ago but were never concluded.
  
-Discussions have recommenced and both parties are hopeful of a favourable and positive outcome, however in the meantime all the caves are closed.+Discussions have recommenced and both parties are hopeful of a favorable and positive outcome, however, in the meantime all the caves are closed.
  
 Longleat will be keeping a presence in the Gorge for maintenance purposes, but this is all. Approaches should not be made to Longleat or any of their representatives as permission to visit any of the caves will be denied. Longleat will be keeping a presence in the Gorge for maintenance purposes, but this is all. Approaches should not be made to Longleat or any of their representatives as permission to visit any of the caves will be denied.