The pool - up to 300ft deep in places and with a network of flooded tunnels and sheer drops - is a favourite training location for amateur divers from across the UK despite its notorious dangers. Early yesterday morning around two dozen divers were preparing to take to the waters, described by experienced divers as "the best inland diving site in Britain". Tony Fukes, 53, from Nottingham, said: "The diving community is small and we look out for each other. I've been in this position before and have volunteered to go searching for a missing diver. "But we're between a rock and a hard place. Technical diving (to depths of 50 metres) is gaining in popularity and without this quarry the problem will grow. If we're forced to go out to sea the death rate will rise." Mr Tattersall, from Chester, said: "It is undoubtedly the best inland diving pool in England and Wales, both for training beginners and deep divers because its clear water allows good visibility and there are no strong currents." Mr Tattersall, who has been taking parties to Dorothea for 20 years, added: "I have to be honest and say that there have been too many accidents here. It is such a popular diving site that, with the best will in the world, accidents will happen. "But, with proper training, most accidents are avoidable." Last night politicians branded Dorothea's death toll as "unacceptable". Caernarfon MP Hywel Williams said: "It's a matter of concern that there has been another death. There needs to be proper supervision at Dorothea." Welsh Assembly Sports Minister Alun Pugh said: "Active sports such as diving carries an inevitable risk and everyone who takes part knows that. "But with seven deaths in such a short period at a single location there are significant safety issues at Dorothea Quarry." Divers have repeatedly called for proper facilities to be provided at the quarry which has been used by divers since it flooded after work stopped in the late 1960s. In the past, quarry operator Glynn Small attempted to block access to the site. Gates have been locked and boulders and machinery placed in the way, but without success. Last month a judge at Caernarfon County Court ordered Mr Small to hand back the 300-acre site to its owner, Hampshire-based businessman Brian Harman. A spokesman told the Daily Post last night that once the repossession is completed the site will be sold to an unamed buyer who is ready to develop it into a top-class diving centre. | 
