Trying to locate a water stop-valve!

Realised over the winter that the stop-valve inside the house was jammed open.  

Went to investigate the external valve in the pavement.  It was probably well over twenty years since it was last looked at; and the chamber was full of earth and indignant worms.

Cleared it out but the valve is almost an arms length down.  Having to get help.  Really good quality soil though!!!