Clarkson footpath dispute ongoing

The footpath is not classed as a public right of way

The dispute over land owned by BBC's Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson on the Isle of Man looks set to continue.

Tynwald has voted against a report which proposed creating a legally-established footpath around the south-east of his property at Langness.

Mr Clarkson put a fence up at his holiday home to protect his privacy.

The pressure group Prowl (Public Rights of Way Langness) wants access to a footpath on his land. It is not a right of way, but a "permissive route".

Most members of Tynwald opposed the proposal for the creation of a new path around the Langness lighthouse.

'Hostile'

Mr and Mrs Clarkson said in a report considered by the parliament that they bought the property because of family links to the island and were not told that it had "claimed rights of way".

"After our purchase we had no objection to walkers using the land around our home but a majority became openly hostile," it said.

Walkers claims that they are unable to use a footpath that has previously been a regular route.

A public inquiry now seems likely. The issue has been ongoing for three years.

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