Snowdon,North Wales - Mountain rescues charity claims increase in rescues is 'unsustainable'

Image copyrightHEFIN OWEN

Image captionA promotional "Epic" sign at Pen-y-Gwryd, Snowdon

This isn't a recent thing, It's been getting worse for years. And to send people up a mountain to see a crap mirrored sign leaves me speechless! Who thought that would be a good idea?

A drive to attract tourists has led to an increase in ill-equipped walkers and climbers becoming stranded on Snowdon, rescuers have claimed.

Llanberis Mountain Rescue was called out a record 43 times to Wales and England's highest peak in August - an increase it called "unsustainable".

Visit Wales' recent year of adventure campaign encouraged to visitors to "Find Your Epic".

The tourism body has been asked to comment.

Llanberis Mountain Rescue said many of those tackling the peak are unprepared in terms of knowledge and equipment, with many needing assistance.

Chairman of the team of volunteers, Rob Johnson, said "serious consideration" needed to be given to how the 3,560 ft (1,085m) peak was managed.

Image copyrightALUN ALLCOCK

Image captionThe coastguard were involved in a number of the rescues

He said the drive to attract tourists contributed to an "unsustainable" rise in callouts - from 34 in August 2015 to 43 in August 2016.

The organisation relies on donations and about 1,000 volunteer hours were spent attending incidents - including an RAF helicopter crash landing.

He said many of the callouts were preventable and, with the right knowledge and equipment, they could have been avoided.

"We've attended a variety of incidents this summer but the most common have been lower-leg injuries, people too tired to continue and people crag-fast on Crib Goch," said Mr Johnson.

"It has been a massive commitment from a small group of volunteers."

see-http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-37275914