After reports of vandalism at Holmfirth Edge, aka "Cliff", the BMC dispatched a crack team of tea drinkers to check out the damage. Here is what we discovered.

When we arrived at the crag, a couple walking their dog told us that they'd seen the culprits in action. The "plain white van" had no markings. The blokes doing the work told the walkers that they were using masonry paint to cover up the graffiti.

Having seen the damage, it's clear that the painting was not aimed at climbers. Given that the graffiti was fading, and had been there for over 20 years (since the heyday of LUFC), the belated decision to act in this manner seems curious, to say the least.

It's important to consider the facts at this point. The damage could have been far more extensive, and the paint far thicker. Wire brushing did not seem to have any beneficial effect. I've spent a bit of time phoning round to talk to various specialist contractors and I'm confident that one of several methods (fine grain sand blasting or solvent and high pressure steam) will work.

The next step is to find out who "commissioned" the work, and to discover what paint they used. At the same time it's also essential to ensure that no more work is carried out at the crag, and that we act professionally and with a united front. Representations are best made by "The BMC", supported by as many local climbers as we can muster.

Locals are encouraged to attend the next meeting of the Holme Valley South Area Committee to voice their concerns. Either Guy Keating or Martin Kocsis will be there to represent the BMC.

You can see a gallery of pictures taken on the day here

« Back