Hi all, I'm a lurker so I'll keep my intrusion here brief, but given the risk of everyone (cavers, urbexers/mine explorers, researchers) permanently losing access i'm making a post. Apologies if this is the wrong section to put it in.
TL;DR; Access now only requires a spanner as before (and is not as restricted as before), however if the person or people who've been breaking the lock don't stop it will be sealed, likely permanently.
I'll update this with new info, but the DCA will be updating also and they're the ones working on this so they'll be better at answering any technical questions.
Wall of text version (background info)
Access used to be a nut loosened with a spanner, but was changed to a code lock where a code was given to BCA cavers only. This lock was broken for access to the system, and access has recently been reverted to the previous nut-and-spanner system (see below). This is because of people vandalising the locks, leaving the entrance unsecured until the locks were replaced. This is meaning the controlling body are considering permanently sealing the cave.
Due to this, a temporary 'trial period' while a new gate is devised (which even then will just require a spanner like the current system, it's just a bit safer and more permanent/convienient) of going back to the old spanner and nut setup is being tried, which means that access is much easier, and if the system is not abused it will be permanent and access will be extremely easy as long as it's used in good faith.
I doubt the person responsible for this is an actual explorer, so they're probably not on this site, but if people could spread the message about the new access that would probably be helpful in keeping it.
TL;DR; Access now only requires a spanner as before (and is not as restricted as before), however if the person or people who've been breaking the lock don't stop it will be sealed, likely permanently.
I'll update this with new info, but the DCA will be updating also and they're the ones working on this so they'll be better at answering any technical questions.
Wall of text version (background info)
Access used to be a nut loosened with a spanner, but was changed to a code lock where a code was given to BCA cavers only. This lock was broken for access to the system, and access has recently been reverted to the previous nut-and-spanner system (see below). This is because of people vandalising the locks, leaving the entrance unsecured until the locks were replaced. This is meaning the controlling body are considering permanently sealing the cave.
Due to this, a temporary 'trial period' while a new gate is devised (which even then will just require a spanner like the current system, it's just a bit safer and more permanent/convienient) of going back to the old spanner and nut setup is being tried, which means that access is much easier, and if the system is not abused it will be permanent and access will be extremely easy as long as it's used in good faith.
I doubt the person responsible for this is an actual explorer, so they're probably not on this site, but if people could spread the message about the new access that would probably be helpful in keeping it.
