Derby Telegraph 5th July 2023 "Explorer takes us inside old mine that is rarely seen by the public"

[Tripod]

An article with the above title has been published based on information provided by "solo explorer Lost Places and Forgotten Places" on a trip to the colour works below High Tor and "although lacking proper equipment took the opportunity to check it out anyway". High Tor grotto "checked out" and with some confusion in the description, Side Mine as well. The article states "the mine is extremely unstable and public access is strictly prohibited" but it can only be assumed that this man was trespassing (hence his disguise) and that the article will encourage others to do likewise. We can well do without this as it will lead to more security, less access by permission, even permanent loss of access and likely cave Rescue callouts.
Please take a look at the article online at Derbyshire Live and the Lost Places and Forgotten Places facebook page, on which you will see that this explorer has also visited Ball Eye quarry.

 

[alastairgott]

I’ve found some clickbait on a similar sounding website, but nothing which will show me anything without a plethora of adverts.

 

[pwhole]

What's disturbing here is that a reputable paper is willing to print this guff, not least as it's both documenting and encouraging illegal activity. I'm surprised their legal team weren't consulted. Perhaps a stiff letter to them from a responsible underground organisation explaining the problem might be appropriate?

 

[Tripod]

My mistake, with apologies to anyone's who wasted time in searching - Lost Places and Forgotten Faces is the facebook page.
I have sent a stiff letter to the editor but a letter from a responsible underground organisation would of course be a lot better.
As for the nature of this newspaper it tends to steer well clear of issues between local groups which it regards as "political" and the Derbyshire Live facebook posts receive some criticism. With regard to the Letters page it is very easy to feature there and very easy to be seen as "Mr angry of ---".

 

[AR]

I can't imagine the Heights of Abraham (owners of the colour works) are best impressed by this either, as this will doubtless encourage more trespassing on the site.

 

[Pitlamp]

We can well do without this as it will lead to more security, less access by permission, even permanent loss of access and likely cave Rescue callouts.

Agree - but should we add to your list (if speaking generally about this kind of thing): "potential damage to our industrial heritage"?

 

[mikem]

Not sure I've ever heard the Live websites described as reputable before - they are pretty much purely clickbait to get their advertising as widely "viewed" as possible!

 

[Cantclimbtom]

I enjoy a good trespass as much as anyone else, but I don't send details to a newspaper seeking publicity that will ruin it for everyone else. What happened to the idea of keeping a low profile?

FWIW.. if you don't cause any damage, take anything, leave litter etc and nobody even knows you were there, (with a few exceptions) it's a civil matter not criminal so not an "illegal activity".
That said there's people out there who don't tread lightly or keep a low profile, who cause criminal damage or distress to owners 😠 and that's bad for everyone.

 

[Tripod]

I enjoy a good trespass as much as anyone else, but I don't send details to a newspaper seeking publicity that will ruin it for everyone else. What happened to the idea of keeping a low profile?

FWIW.. if you don't cause any damage, take anything, leave litter etc and nobody even knows you were there, (with a few exceptions) it's a civil matter not criminal so not an "illegal activity".
That said there's people out there who don't tread lightly or keep a low profile, who cause criminal damage or distress to owners 😠 and that's bad for everyone.

Agreed. It is worth stating that trespass changes from a civil to criminal offence, in addition to the reasons stated, if the person refuses to leave or makes further visits. Trespass (Civil) can become Aggravated Trespass (Criminal). Behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace is another offence likely to be committed if a person is challenged and starts to argue or becomes physically aggressive.

 

[ChrisB]

trespass changes from a civil to criminal offence, in addition to the reasons stated, if the person refuses to leave or makes further visits

As I understand it, that's only the case if they intend to reside on the land, with a vehicle, and have caused some damage or disruption.
See https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/32/section/83

If you trespass as a pedestrian, and don't disrupt lawful activity such as to constitute aggravated trespass, if you refuse to leave it's not an offence in itself but as the landowner can use reasonable force to make you leave that could involve you in breach of the peace etc. They would need a court injunction to stop you returning. That's assuming it's not one of the special types of land such as MoD, railways, palaces, nuclear sites, etc.

 

[Tripod]

As I understand it, that's only the case if they intend to reside on the land, with a vehicle, and have caused some damage or disruption.
See https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/32/section/83

If you trespass as a pedestrian, and don't disrupt lawful activity such as to constitute aggravated trespass, if you refuse to leave it's not an offence in itself but as the landowner can use reasonable force to make you leave that could involve you in breach of the peace etc. They would need a court injunction to stop you returning. That's assuming it's not one of the special types of land such as MoD, railways, palaces, nuclear sites, etc.

One of the pictures posted on the named website showed a sign stating that the mine was railway property. Mines which pass under the railway would naturally be on interest to the operator but this does raise another question regarding access.

 

[ChrisB]

The law covers trespass on railways and 'connected property' - I suspect you'd need a lawyer to know what that includes. If it did apply to the mine, it would only be an offence if you were asked to leave and refused.

Transport Offences | The Crown Prosecution Service

www.cps.gov.uk