PRESSURE groups campaigning for the re-opening of a famous Dartmoor landmark this week reacted with disappointment to a report investigating the continuing access fight. Vixen Tor near Merrivale was closed to the public by owner Mary Alford when she bought the land in 2003, bringing to an end more than 30 years of unhindered access to walkers and climbers. Earlier this year she told Dartmoor National Park Authority she would re-open the land if it paid her almost £400,000 over the next ten years ? a request rejected by the DNPA, which sought legal advice on the matter. In a report to due to be presented to members tomorrow (Friday), DNPA chief executive Nick Atkinson concluded that, based on legal advice, compulsory orders regarding the opening up of Vixen Tor would not be practical, given their ?significant risk and potential financial consequences?. ?Whilst the public lobby for such action is very strong, the reality is that the main statutory powers are inapplicable or ineffective in this case,? said Dr Atkinson. He will ask members to endorse the view there were ?no realistic avenues or options available to re-establish access to Vixen Tor at this time?. He said the situation should be kept under review and supporting evidence of public demand and public benefit should be gathered in support of any future move to seek a compulsory order. Dr Atkinson also said voluntary interest groups should be encouraged to carry out their own surveys or petitions regarding access to Vixen Tor. He said: ?It is a matter of great regret that it has not so far been possible to secure an agreement to re-establish access to Vixen Tor for informal enjoyment and climbing. ?Where so much effort and success has been going into working in partnership with the hill farm community to ensure a viable future, it is especially disappointing that the owners of Vixen Tor cannot be more accommodating of the public interest in this case.? John Skinner, of the Ramblers? Association, said he was ?extremely disappointed? at the situation. ?We are still hopeful that the public will regain access to Vixen Tor, as we had for many years before the current owners closed it,? said Mr Skinner. ?We shall certainly consider further moves regarding surveys or petitions ? we are not giving up yet.? Jonathan Cardale, chief executive of the Dartmoor Preservation Association, said: ?We are disappointed by this news and we will be looking further at ways we can pursue a solution and an access agreement.? Mr Cardale said the DPA had always actively supported Dartmoor National Park Authority in its efforts in the past and would continue to do so in future. Mrs Alford closed Vixen Tor following advice from her lawyers over fears she could be held liable if a walker or climber injured themselves on the rocky outcrop, often known as the Sphynx of Dartmoor.