"The combination padlock was filled with dog muck"

Complaints of frequent vandalism at Langness

A public apology was issued this week, to those wishing to use the private land at Langness - as entry had been blocked.

But it was for very good reason.

Staff at the Langness Lighthouse Cottages were forced to lock the gates between the car park and the private drive, after motorists had caused damage by driving on the grass.

Furthermore, someone had strung a nylon wire line over the footpaths and grass, at shin-height, which stretched right down over the precipice, into the water.

This caused one dog walker to complain their pet was nearly strangled by it.

People have also reportedly removed signs, and damaged or destroyed the fencing around the southern peninsula, at great expense to the landowner.

But perhaps the most malicious act of vandalism occurred recently, when someone filled the combination lock which keeps the gate secure 'with dog muck'.

This was then discovered by a coastguard, wishing to access the property, who alerted staff.

Wendi Keggin, who is the property manager at Langness Lighthouse Cottages, thinks much of the trouble has likely been caused by a "small minority of people who do not want to put their dogs on leads."

Visitors to Langness and Fort Island are asked to keep dogs on leads partly because there's sheep and cattle kept loose there, under instruction from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, in an effort to try and maintain the region's delicate and unique ecosystem of flora and fauna.

Wendi told Manx Radio the treatment she's faced with has now progressed to physical abuse: (play audio)

Police are monitoring the situation - anybody with any information is asked to contact Castletown Police Station on 822222.