Peak-Speedwell Bung Ladder Damage

al

Member
In mid April, cavers reported that there were two rungs missing from the bottom section of the Bung ladder, presumably caused by the action of high water during the winter floods. No other information was available because, at the time, it was difficult to see what other damage had been done owing to the force of the Bung waterfall.

On Sunday 29 April, despite there still being high water in the Far Canal, a small group comprising Ade Pedley (who originally sourced the ladder), Ann Soulsby, Peter Dell and myself entered Speedwell and managed to assess the situation.

Surprisingly, despite the high level of the canal, the water going over the Bung dam was quite easily diverted to one side with a tarp which we had carried in and the whole of the ladder could be examined in relative comfort (!!).

The cause of the problem was revealed at the foot of the ladder, where a bolt had come loose and caused the side-rails to splay slightly, leading to the loss of the rungs. Additionally a a rock goujon connecting one of the brackets at the top of the ladder had been lost.

We have a plan to remedy the situation at some point in the near future. In the meantime, notices will be placed at the top of the ladder, somewhere near the base of the ladder, and at the ladderway at Egnaro Aven.

These notices will advise cavers of the problems and to use the ladder with appropriate caution.
 

ANN

New member
Alan Reports:
A group of us went through to the Bung Streamway from Peak Cavern last night to place notices warning of the state of the Bung Ladder. The water was much higher than last Sunday, and the ladder was found to be deteriorating, with another rung out and a further rung starting to rattle.  The problem appears to be worse than originally thought!

We aim to remove the ladder for repair as soon as possible but in the meantime please plan your trips appropriately.  We will keep you informed of developments.
 

adep

Member
We plan to remove the ladder for repair on the 18 th may, this will take approx two weeks before I can re fit the ladder, so things should be back to normal 1st June, a rope shall be installed as a temporary measure but will obviously need SRT gear to get up/ down

In the meantime, can everybody refrain from using the ladder as it is now in a dodgy state
 
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