Last week we reported that access to the much-loved venue of Staden Quarry was under threat from a major industrial development.

We have been contacted by Ben Dean, who is acting on behalf of the developer Express Park Buxton, with the following statement regarding the developer's intentions reagrding rock climbing in Cowdale (staden) Quarry:

1. It is intended that there will continue to be free, unfettered access to all the quarry faces. There will be a barrier constructed between the rock walls and the development. No building will be within 17 metres of a rock face. For obvious health and safety reasons the A6 access and some of the quarry faces may be restricted during construction periods but access to some faces will always be maintained via the alternative track in from Cowdale village.
2. Free car parking for climbers will be provided.
3. It is up to the climbers whether they use the facilities in the climbers/visitor centre, but the toilet facilities will be free to access and use.
4. It is intended that if a climbing wall is provided then this would be in phase two within the sports centre as this will be more sustainable than a stand alone provision.
5. I am happy, if invited, to participate in part/all the meeting on the 17th February.
6. In the mean time if climbers wish to email me I will answer as fully as I am able to.

Mr Dean refers to the Peak Area meeting held on 17th February at The Norfolk Arms in Ringinglow, Sheffield.

Dave Turnbull, CEO at the BMC comments:

"It is very useful that the Developer has clarified the access situation at Staden were the bottling plant to go ahead. The BMC understands that a detailed Environment Assessment will now be required and that this may take several months to produce; once submitted there will be a 16 weeks for public responses to the scheme. This gives the BMC and the climbing community plenty time to consider the pros and cons - come along to the BMC Peak Area Meeting on 17 Feb if you've got somethying to say on the matter."