A useful dive training site in Gloucestershire, England has announced that it will not be reopened following the COVID-19 crisis.
Cromhall Quarry
Cromhall is a former limestone quarry that naturally flooded when works ceased. It was used for entry-level and rescue training because the slightly undulating rock bottom has an ideal training depth of 17 mt / 55.7 ft. Cromhall is also a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' (SSSI) because it is home to the protected Great Crested Newt.
Heartfelt Thanks
Simon Chen and Maggie Alger have run Cromhall for the last fourteen years. The couple issued a statement confirming that that 2020 had been a bad year because of the flooding in February, followed by the Coronavirus lockdown that prevented access to outdoor facilities.
Simon Chen stated "Sadly, while we were preparing to re-open, we have received some more bad news. We have received formal notice that means that the quarry will close with immediate effect and will not re-open. We are not aware of any future plans for the facility.
Please continue to dive and swim safely wherever you choose. Simon Chen & Maggie Alger
Over the past 14 years, you have been wonderful people to be associated with and it has always been a great pleasure to see you enjoying the site and we will miss you all. Please, continue to dive and swim safely wherever you choose and we hope to see you on the surface at some time or another."
Respected dive safety supervisor Neil Brock, from Bristol Channel Diving Services, stated "We have used Cromhall since it opened - it was a great training venue. Maggie and Simon always used to make us feel welcome and would bend over backwards to accommodate people. We wish them all the best with their future plans."
