A MASS trespass onto one of Dartmoor?s landmarks saw walkers descend on Vixen Tor on New Year?s Day to protest over its closure to the public. Thirty people turned up to walk on and around the privately-owned tor at Merrivale, in what is becoming an annual event, to make a stand against its closure more than 18 months ago. Climber Jim Harrison, of Tavistock, helped organise the protest and publicised it to other walkers over the internet. He said it was possible that the tor and surrounding area had been open to the public since at least the early 19th century ? according to local literature ? while the previous owner allowed access to the land for more than 30 years. He said: ?We will carry on until it is open ? it is an annual event. The trespass is getting bigger each year despite the weather. ?There was a great atmosphere; everyone enjoyed it and there were lots of children there. ?It used to be a magical spot for people who wanted to wander and walk up there. In 20 years I?ve never seen litter or vandalism ?people treated it with respect. I just want to see it returned to what it was. ?There has never been an instance where a climber has slipped off a rock and sued people. It is a dangerous sport and we know that. I?m fed up with the pernicious Americanisms about everyone trying to sue each other.? Landowner Mary Alford closed the tor after insurers told her she could be liable if someone injured themselves while walking or climbing on the granite peak. But she said she was not even aware of this year?s protest: ?I didn?t even know it happened. But don?t forget that it is a farm and they had to climb over a locked gate to get in.? Currently Mrs Alford is using the Human Rights Act to deny public access to the area which is due to be re-opened under Right to Roam laws . Under the new Countryside and Rights of Way Act, Mrs Alford could be forced to re-open the tor to the public in August ? a move that she fears could lead to expensive lawsuits from people who are injured on her land. However, her appeal against the act will be heard in a public inquiry on January 24.
