Stream Passage Pot entrance restored
A couple of months ago we brought you the story that the entrance of Stream Passage Pot was scheduled for a rebuild. The old oil drum entrance was deteriorating and needed replacing with a new plastic pipe.
This was no simple task, and the team have worked wonders through July and August, digging down, stabilising the sides with a scaffold and board frame, eventually reaching the depth to install a new plastic pipe.
The new pipe is several centimetres wider than the old one which should provide just enough room for taller cavers to bend legs within, something that was always a challenge with the old oil drum entrance.
The team have been documenting their work including some excellent photos HERE on UKCaving.
The pipe was sufficiently fitted part way into the Craven Pothole Club winchmeet to allow groups to undertake a trip, and the backfilling around the pipe was completed by 10th August.
There is still a small amount of concreting to finish in a few places, but the entrance is open for business. The pipe needs to be rigged with a rope or a ladder and there is an inbuild scaffold pole at the top for this purpose.
Don't forget to use the online booking system to help avoid congestion at the entrance, and if you do meet any of the team making some finishing touches please be patient.
This has been an outstanding effort by a very dedicated team who planned and executed the project meticulously. A quick flick through the photos on UKCaving will show what a sizable project this has been and the considerable depth they had to mine. Our thanks to all involved.
This should ensure Stream Passage Pot remains accessible for decades to come.
Photo: CNCC's Training Officer and CPC member Ian Patrick testing out the new entrance pipe for size shortly after installation during the CPC winchmeet. Photo courtesy of Andrew Hinde.