This has appeared in many places and may be of interest to AN users

Cwmystwyth Statement, on behalf of the Welsh Mines Preservation Trust

“Graham Levins, Hon. Sec. of the Welsh Mines Preservation Trust, at the recent annual Ceredigion Mines Group meeting, gave an update on developments between the Crown’s Mineral Agents and the Welsh Mines Preservation Trust with regard to the future management of Cwmystwyth mine site. The Crown Agents were unwilling to enter into any negotiations; their only response to offer to sell the mine, the mineral rights and the grazing rights to the Trust for £1.
Following consideration the Trust Directors came to the conclusion that they could not afford to take the mine on. The cost of making the site safe, insuring the Trust against any liabilities arising from the site and those who might visit it exceeded what a small charity could undertake and would affect the ability of the Trust to continue with other projects in Wales, both from a financial and a manpower point of view.

"The Trust’s recent request for a further meeting has been declined. The only way forward that would be considered by the Crown's Agent was if a Trust could be formed to purchase and maintain the site. Discussions are continuing to consider the possibility whether a Trust could be formed by the local community, the mining history and exploration movement or official bodies in Wales .

"The issue of underground access at Cwmystwyth was raised. An individual within the Mining History Community suggested that setting up a limited company by guarantee to buy Cwmystwyth should be investigated further. He would personally investigate further the options of setting up a company limited by guarantee with regard to buying Cwmystwyth”.

For further information, contact:-
Hon Sec, Graham Levins

"We would respectfully ask would be mine explorers to not visit the site for the time being, as it is known that some have, ripping off grilles in the process. The Crown Mineral Agents have threatened 'more robust measures' in the future, if this continues to happen."

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I note the coment regarding not visiting the site at the moment. This is reminds of the same request made regarding Mines in the Gwydr Forest with the view that an access arrangement could be sorted.

Well 25 years later there still isn't one the FC blocked off every known adit and shaft on their land . I see similarities with this request

With regards the WMPT isn't mine preservation what they are set up for, I agree with the concerns with insurance and laibilities. However surely the way forward is not to reject the idea but to involve the welsh govt, local authority, national trust etc.

Before anyone castigates these comments as a director of Shropshire Mines Trust i know only too well of the difficulties of owning a mine site.
Mike

Ta Adrian - Cwmorthin is a good example of how such a scheme works in north Wales, although that only has two adits, so it's quite easily secured.

Cwmystwyth might well be an interesting project for someone, but not knowing much about the site I find it hard to comment as to how difficult controlling the access would be. It's the reference to "costs of making the site safe" that would concern me!

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Cwmystwth, for those that don't know the area is, as it's name suggests situated in the valley of the river Ystwyth. at that point a fairly shallow river some miles to the east of Devil's Bridge. The valley is pretty steep around the site of the mine. There is however good parking very near the 'preserved' remains of the dressing plant more or less in the centre of the site ( I use inverted commas since IMHO the plant has been preserved, more or less, into oblivion). There are several adits that where open and ungated until the Crown agents barred access resulting in the current situation.
I have known the site for over 20 years but haven't been there for some 2 years having suffered an accident that limits mobility. In the time that I've known it I have noted its transition from an abandoned mine with no warnings still less gates and fences (when I first explored the site there was the remains of a steel framed building with damaged corrugated sheets attached. On one very windy day I noticed that some sheets where being distorted by the wind. It occurred to me that, if a sheet detached itself and come in my direction I could well lose my head. Being rather fond of that part of my anatomy I made a hasty exit.
I have seen the site occupied by travellers, used by quad bikers and collapsed shafts used as a place to park scrap cars.
This process has occurred at many mining sites the I've known. For my part I believe the model for change is the Shropshire Mines Trust with what has been achieved at Snailbeach and Tankerville ( H&S concerns satisfied whilst still giving access for exploration). The worst IMHO is what Forest Enterprises has done in the Forest of Dean (planted trees everywhere having first bulldozed waste tips buildings and shafts into oblivion)
For my part my wish is that Cwmystwth receives the former fate, not the latter and I hope that some organisation will take the site on. It's too important to have it's levels filled and access to all but the 'prettyfied' remains denied.

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I have been asked to publish the following statement on the latest situation regarding negotiations over Cwmystwyth:-

“An individual in the mining history community has investigated the possibility of setting up a company limited by guarantee for the purpose of purchasing the Cwmystwyth mines.

That individual has indicated preparedness to proceed on this matter and is now negotiating directly with the representatives of the Crown Estate with regard to the purchase of the land.

The major issue relates to the Crown Estates last offer of a reduced area of land that excluded the archeologically important area of Copa Hill and the working in the area of Nant-yr-Onnen

Subject to agreement being reached on this and some other minor matters, the individual is optimistic that the transfer of land will proceed.”

Graham Levins
Sec
WMPT

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