Vandalised Locks on Mendip Caves

[Fishes]

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.

 

[cap n chris]

Ignore the rabid nutter. Don't feed it. Meanwhile it's worth pointing out that the C20th problem of not knowing how to gain access has been totally superceded in the C21st by the internet. The signs I commissioned and installed at FCQ were specifically done to appease the nutter brigade as they are on every entrance of note and provide easily readable and actionable instructions on what an interested party can do to gain access. Can't really make it easier than that. Anyone who has issues with it clearly has issues and is beyond help.

The caves there are jewels and a Derbyshire key would be a disaster for their well-being.

 

[NewStuff]

Ignore the rabid nutter. Don't feed it.

Ah, the ex-moderator, appears. What disability are you faking this time?

 

[glyders]

As someone who rarely (if ever) can plan ahead for a trip due to work and family committments that change all the time, I find the need to arrange to get a key difficult. I can't remember the last time I knew more than an hour before that I was able to go on a personal caving trip - it must have been at least 12 years ago going by the age of my eldest.
So, I don't get to go in lots of lovely caves. But you know what, it's not a problem. Sure, if I could go online and fill something in and get a combination lock code immediately, that would be wonderful, but I get why the gates are there.

 

[Pegasus]

[admin]Cap'n Chris / Newstuff, please - It's been a long day, thank you [/admin]

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Happy and Jolly Mendip cavers today. No key required.

P8250026 by Nicholas Chipchase, on Flickr

 

[Roger W]

No need for a key there - your bus pass will get you in!

 

[Alex]

As someone who rarely (if ever) can plan ahead for a trip due to work and family committments that change all the time, I find the need to arrange to get a key difficult. I can't remember the last time I knew more than an hour before that I was able to go on a personal caving trip - it must have been at least 12 years ago going by the age of my eldest.
So, I don't get to go in lots of lovely caves. But you know what, it's not a problem. Sure, if I could go online and fill something in and get a combination lock code immediately, that would be wonderful, but I get why the gates are there.

That my man (having to sort it out in advance) is my biggest problem with gates with keys and of course advanced permits in general (which thankfully are becoming a thing of the past up here in the Dales, I really do love the CNCC booking system)!