The emergency exit and air intake shaft are fitted out with a steel staircase leading to the surface. This is, generally, in very good condition apart from one or two rusty steps and the odd missing one. The foot of the stairs is partly blocked by a makeshift screen constructed from parts of the internal ventilation ducting. Originally, all the air used in the bunker would be drawn in through this stair well so there would not have been much protection in the event of nuclear fallout being present outside.
The first three flights are in excellent condition and the only real danger in this part is grazes or cuts from the rusty metal. There is the odd missing step further on and some of the treads look rather rusty but are still able to carry normal body-weight.
The lighting system does not stretch this far and torches are needed as well as helmets. The owner’s expert knowledge was invaluable in this area.
After the first three flights is a landing. As well as the next flight of stairs towards the surface there is also a wall-mounted ladder that gives access to a small alcove built into the wall.
This alcove was probably used for storage of some kind but there is no evidence of lifting gear so it can only have been light equipment or stores of some kind.
Looking back down the stairs from the half-way landing gives a good idea of the height involved.
