AS THE uncertainty of a reopening date for Welsh attractions continues, one of south Wales’ best loved attractions is struggling to survive.

Dan Yr Ogof-The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is one of the country’s oldest attractions. The Swansea valley site is designated as a National Nature Reserve and a site of special scientific interest and is the largest showcave complex in Northern Europe.

Chairman Ashford Price has expressed grave concerns over the future of the popular attraction - that employs 62 locals during the height of the summer season - as he is faced with having to find over £80,000 just to mothball the caves during the pandemic.

He said: “This money is needed to maintain and preserve all the electrical and emergency underground lighting, along with pumps, ventilation fans, massive diesels and hydro-electric plants that provide the electricity for the three caves. The pathways in one of the caves needs to be kept free from the build-up of tons of silt and sand brought in by huge underground rivers.

“Since 1912 our family has managed to keep the showcaves open despite suffering two foot and mouth epidemics, numerous depressions and financial collapses, but Covid-19 is the most serious risk to the showcaves so far. We are fast approaching the point where our money is running out.”

South Wales Guardian: Chairman, Ashford PriceChairman, Ashford Price

 

Mr Price said the reluctance of the First Minister of Wales to announce a proposed reopening date for Welsh tourism means that there is now a very real prospect that Wales will miss out on the vital tourism income that comes from visitors during the summer months.

He added: “It really is a crazy situation where England and Scotland have already announced their reopening dates for tourism based on the same scientific advice that Wales uses.

“We have a PPE strategy in place, risk assessments, our staff want to return, and our phone is ringing with tourists asking when are we reopening.

“The First Minister is rightly concerned about the health issues Covid-19 brings to Wales. However, from what leading scientists are saying we are going to have to live with this virus for at least a year. Does he intend to keep the people of Wales lock up for this length of time?

“The Welsh Government’s stance ‘Wales is shut so don’t come, and don’t plan on coming' is destroying Wales' second largest industry.

"The situation is a tragedy for tourism, and mass unemployment looms in Wales' second largest industry."