As an outsider I have never had any problems getting access to places in Mendip. It really isn't so difficult.
Lack of access information can't really be used as an excuse these days as most of us carry a device around that gives access to more information than you will ever need. If a simple search doesn't find it then you can always come to somewhere like UK caving and ask for help. In general access is easier now than it has ever been, although covid 19 is complicating matters at the moment.
If one or two locks were damaged then it might be down to ignorance. If a large number are damaged then I suspect it is down to someone with an agenda. They clearly don't care about anyone else or their property. This is criminal damage that can put ongoing access at risk.
The problem here is not Mendip access policies, gates and locks. It is a stupid, selfish individual or group who only care about themselves or their agenda.
Lack of access information can't really be used as an excuse these days as most of us carry a device around that gives access to more information than you will ever need. If a simple search doesn't find it then you can always come to somewhere like UK caving and ask for help. In general access is easier now than it has ever been, although covid 19 is complicating matters at the moment.
If one or two locks were damaged then it might be down to ignorance. If a large number are damaged then I suspect it is down to someone with an agenda. They clearly don't care about anyone else or their property. This is criminal damage that can put ongoing access at risk.
The problem here is not Mendip access policies, gates and locks. It is a stupid, selfish individual or group who only care about themselves or their agenda.