In reply to Dan Middleton, BMC:
Following a rockfall last year and a limited amount of rock scaling from the effected area, Derbyshire Dales District Council thought it would be prudent to inspect the other cliffs in the Lovers Walk area as obviously having experienced the rock fall they realised they had a duty of care and none of the cliffs had ever been inspected.
Rock Solutions a local company were commissioned to undertake a survey of the cliffs and it was quickly realised that there was a massive problem with large loose blocks all along the crest between from the old bridge right along to the boundary with the Willersley estate. The greater part of Wildcat is located within the Willesley estate.
The work would have already been completed, but a large unstable mass of rock was discovered directly above the bandstand and stabilisation measures are currently being undertaken to be completed this week.
Repairs to the river level pathways should also be completed within the next week to allow public access. Repairs to the old Victorian walks are not scheduled to be undertaken until next year and they will remain closed to the public.
None of this ongoing work would impact on access to Wildcat other than along the D.D.D.C. footpaths. It is not intended to stop climbers from accessing Wildcat, but they are in a catch all situation with regards to exposure to rockfall during the course of the works.
As of w/c 10/08/15 unhindered access should be available to Wildcat as the new bridge should be open.
I hope this clarifies the situation
Phil Burke, Rock Solutions
P.S. Rock Solutions are not responsible for the site security so I cannot comment on who the "stroppy" man might be.
Post edited at 16:42