Access to Gunpowder Works & Loonies’ Leap from 5 March

To all Members:
As you should all by now be aware, work will start soon to stabilise and restore the gunpowder works near Pontneddfechan. Work will start on 5th March and ​​will result in some access restrictions in the area until at least September:
  • Access to the ​​footpath on ​’river right’​ of the Mellte between the two footbridges (the lower one at SN915081 and the higher one, just below Loonies’ Leap, at SN918083)​ will be closed for at least two weeks at the start of the works, but groups will still be able to walk between the bridges using the path on ‘river left’. ​​If, for any reason individual providers have unique special circumstances, for instance groups with disabilities, where they need to use the West bank between the footbridges, a solution is available. However this will involve liaising with the works contractors to sign a disclaimer, attending a ‘toolbox talk’ and agreeing suitable dates and times to be escorted along the footpath.  Contact us if you really need to be able to do this!
  • ​​Access from Pontneddfechan Community Centre to the lower bridge will remain open throughout.
  • Access to ​​the ​’river right’ ​path upstream of Loonies’ Leap (to and beyond the main gunpowder works buildings) will be closed for the duration of the works.
  • ​​Access to the Loonies’ Leap ‘high’ jump will be maintained from the upper bridge, via a fenced-off walk through to the jump point. This will be slightly narrower than normal, just above the platform, since scaffolding will need to be erected around the nearby building which will be undergoing work. However this will not prevent access to the jumping off point.
  • This work is due to be completed on 31st August but Brecon Beacons National Park Authority will then be carrying out tree-felling operations until November.
  • BBNPA has informed local residents of the planned operations (see attached) and are organising an open day for volunteers who might like to get involved with the project on 10th March (11am-3pm in Pontneddfechan Community Centre) – see the attached poster. ​​Please consider going along to this Open Day and getting involved with the project, as it would be great to see Outdoor Providers making a positive contribution!
We will continue to liaise with BBNPA and the contractors and will notify Members of any significant changes to these arrangements. In the meantime, please contact us with any questions or concerns.
PS: we are organising an ​​Activity Day for Residents (especially youngsters) in the Waterfalls area (most likely on Sunday 17th June) and would welcome any Providers who are willing and able to give up some time to come and run activities on that day. Although SWOAPG will coordinate the overall day, providers will be responsible for managing the activities they offer under their usual Operating Procedures, Risk Assessments and Insurance. ​​Please let us know as soon as possible if you are willing and able to help with this. ​​Call of the Wild and Mountain & River Activities have already signed-up but there’s plenty of room for more!

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