Inquiry on Clarkson path dispute

Tynwald voted against the creation of a new footpath

A date has been set for a public inquiry into a dispute over land on the Isle of Man owned by BBC's Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson.

The inquiry will start on 20 July and will centre on whether there is an established public right of way 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 has not previously been classed as a right of way, but a "permissive route".

Island links

Late last year members of Tynwald opposed a proposal for the creation of a new path around the Langness lighthouse.

Mr Clarkson and his wife 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 have claimed they are unable to use a footpath that has previously been a regular route.

The public inquiry is being held at the Mount Murray Hotel and Social Club in Santon.