Despite the announcement that indoor attractions should prepare to reopen from Monday 13th July, the Welsh Government has denied Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves permission to reopen to visitors.
Normally around 20,000 school children visit Dan-yr-Ogof between Easter and October, and they are receiving between 300 and 400 requests daily via email and telephone asking whether they have reopened yet.
Unfortunately, due to the financial impact of the caves' closure for the past few months, 40 members of staff have already been made redundant with further redundancies looming should the attraction be unable to open soon.
The Association of British and Irish Caves have rallied around Dan-yr-Ogof, describing the decision of the Welsh Government to keep Dan-yr-Ogof closed as “incomprehensible”. The Association of British and Irish caves collectively are organising a one-day closure as a mark of support for Dan-yr-Ogof, with the date to be confirmed shortly.
Local Member of Parliament, Fay Jones MP, has also shown her support for Dan-yr-Ogof, writing to the Welsh Government to call for the decision to be reconsidered immediately and the caves be allowed to reopen.
Ashford Price, owner of Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves said:
“Mark Drakeford has done more to destroy Welsh tourism than any other event in history. Dan-yr-Ogof has survived 2 World Wars, depressions, recessions, the Foot and Mouth epidemic, but at this rate it’s not going to survive Mark Drakeford.”
Professor John Gunn, an international expert of caves said he found the enforced closure:
“A very odd decision that is not based on any scientific evidence. The Dan-yr-Ogof caves in common with the other caves in the Association of British and Irish Showcaves network are formed in limestone and have very efficient ventilation.
“I realise that the Welsh Government have adopted a cautious approach with respect to Covid-19 but caves similar to Dan-yr-Ogof have been allowed to open in England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland subject to the usual risk assessments. I can see absolutely no reason why Dan-yr-Ogof should not be allowed to open subject to similar conditions.
“As well as being very beautiful these caves are of a high scientific value, which is why they are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and are also designated as a National Nature Reserve. The owner has managed the caves to a very high standard and provide the only visitor experience of it's kind in Wales. I would urge the Welsh Government to reverse their decision and allow the caves to open thereby giving tourists the opportunity to visit and enjoy them.”
Daniel Medley, Director of Wookey Hole in Somerset commented:
“Dan-Yr-Ogof Showcaves fully complies with all the requirements that ABIS requires of a showcave to be a member of ABIS.
“We learnt about the Dan-Yr-Ogof situation because of a marked increase in the number of visitors coming from the South Wales area. On analysing why our figures had increased from Wales we found that it was because Dan-Yr-Ogof is closed. Obviously, extra visitors are always welcome at Wookey Hole but on this occasion, it has left a very sour taste.
“All ABIS showcaves are relying on the next crucial main six weeks holiday period. If Dan-yr-Ogof is forced to remain closed by the Welsh Government, the future of the showcave must be in doubt.
“We do not understand the reasons for the Welsh Government’s decision as Dan-yr-Ogof are Limestone Caves just like the rest in the ABIS membership, the only difference is that we are all open, and Dan-yr-Ogof is now the only showcave in Britain and Ireland not open.
"If we could ‘magically transport’ Dan-yr-Ogof Caves to England they would be most welcome, as it is obvious that the Welsh Government does not realise the wonderful natural asset that they have in Wales.
"What is happening to Dan-yr-Ogof is a tragedy for the owners and staff”.
Fay Jones MP, Member of Parliament for Brecon and Radnorshire and the local MP said:
“I am absolutely devastated for the staff and owner of Dan-yr-Ogof caves. They are a vital employer in the area and a historic national treasure which we are lucky to have in Brecon and Radnorshire, and in Wales for that matter.
“This is yet another example of the Welsh Government failing to understand the reality of the current situation for businesses and actively damaging the rural economy completely unnecessarily.
“Both the Association of British and Irish Showcaves and Dan-yr-Ogof, take health and safety incredibly seriously and measures have been put in place which would allow for the caves to reopen while fully complying with social distancing guidance.
“Having put public health first and followed the Welsh Government guidance to the letter, Dan-yr-Ogof are now watching other indoor attractions reopen with no rhyme or reason as to why they have been forced to stay closed.
“I call on the Welsh Government to reconsider their decision and allow Dan-yr-Ogof to reopen immediately.”