Campaigners stage trespass at tor

Several protesters scaled the tor at Merrivale

Campaigners protesting over access to a closed Dartmoor tor staged a mass trespass on Saturday.

About 40 climbers and ramblers from across the country ignored "do not trespass" signs, barbed wire and tarred boulders at Vixen Tor.

The tor, at Merrivale, has been the subject of controversy since it was closed to the public in 2003 by its owner Mary Alford.

Once inside they unfurled a banner reading "Vixen Tor for all to enjoy".

Civil matter

Then some of them scaled the tor - known as the Sphinx of Dartmoor - unfurled the banner on the summit, and picnicked.

Sergeant Bob Hughes of Devon and Cornwall police, one of three officers at the scene, said: "The issue of private land is one of civil trespass which is not a police matter.

"We are just here to make sure emotions do not get out of hand, and everybody stays within the confines of the law that is applicable to the police service."

The protesters were led by 30-year-old Steve Finley, the south west representative of the British Mountaineering Council.

Mary Alford issued a statement calling on protesters not to trespass

"Eventually we want access to Vixen Tor for walkers, climbers and families anybody who wants to use the land in a responsible way," said Mr Finley, from Bristol.

Mrs Alford put up barbed wire fences and Keep Out signs on the land after 30 years of public access.

It was then listed for public access under the Right to Roam legislation, but the owner appealed against that and won.

Mrs Alford has issued a statement via her lawyers calling on the protesters not to trespass on her land.

'Voluntary basis'

"I would ask the organisers to ensure that no trespass or other breach of the law takes place," the statement said.

The chief executive of the Dartmoor National Park Authority Dr Nick Atkinson said: "We are still seeking to re-establish access to Vixen Tor on a voluntary basis.

"We have had discussion with the owners and they are continuing, and we hope a voluntary agreement will be concluded.

"In the meantime, walkers and climbers are asked to respect the current position."