Peninsular, Rushen [Credit: IOM Today]
Port Erin resident Philip Maddrell, who walks there several times a week, said something should be done to protect the area.
‘It’s just spoiling it for everybody,’ he said. ‘Also [motor] bike riders were up the top, it’s a public right of way. It’s a damn nuisance. They churn it up.’
Mr Maddrell said similar damage was done to the area last year and he got in touch with the Department of Infrastructure’s public rights of way division.
‘They said they’d send someone down, I never heard from them … they said if it gets so bad they’d put gates up.’
The land is owned by Manx National Heritage (MNH) whose site manager at Cregneash Helen Ashcroft said such activity is antisocial and illegal.
‘The land which is owned by MNH at the Meayll Peninsular is held in trust for the benefit of the island and its citizens.
‘We like to keep our part of this area relatively unrestricted so that everyone can enjoy the stunning scenery, unique natural history and ancient through to modern day heritage.
‘Antisocial acts such as this threaten public freedoms, put our National Trust land and monuments at risk and are an offence according to the by-laws of the Manx Museum and National Trust.
‘We ask that the Manx public use our sites responsibly by not partaking in activities which cause damage to National Trust property, lands and the environment and by reporting any accidental or witnessed damage.
‘This includes unauthorised vehicle access, dog fouling and any form of harmful, disrespectful or illegal activities.’
She added: ‘Anyone with concerns about activities being undertaken on the Meayll Peninsular should contact me as the site manager on 496590.’
Source: IOM Today [January 12, 2014]