Serious access issues have arisen at Edwardsville, a popular mid-grade sandstone sports venue in the South Wales valleys.

Edwardsville (X1) is a sheltered west facing mid-grade sports venue near to the A470, between Merthyr Tydfil and Treharris. However the quarry is privately owned and the landowners have written to the BMC stating in clear terms that they do not allow access for climbing.

They state in their letter to the BMC that they have never given permission for the site to be developed for climbing, and in particular they have been annoyed and concerned at the level of damage, which they state is being caused by climbers. Specifically that climbers have damaged the entrance gate, have chopped down trees, have driven up the private access track (causing damage in doing so) and lit fires, including barbecues, which have gone out of control and caused significant fires.

While it's highly likley that much of this is unlikley to be the actions of climbers, other local climbers have stated that climbers have been driving up to the quarry, and having barbecues at the site, contrary to the access notes in the South Wales Mountaineering Club Wiki.

The owners have threatened to take legal action against the BMC if climbing continues and the fixed equipment is not removed, however the BMC have written to the owners to request an urgent meeting to try to resolve the issue. The BMC has also made it clear that it is not responsible for and does not have the authority to remove any of the fixed equipment at this venue.

Climbers are requested to avoid this site until attempts are made to resolve the situation. Further updates will be provided on the BMC Regional Access Database.

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