UKC

'Vixen Tor for all to enjoy'

© Mike C
The protest against the closure of Vixen Tor by its owner, farmer Mary Alford, went well this weekend.

Steve Findlay, the organiser of the protest reports, " The protest on Saturday at Vixen Tor was, I think, very successful. About 80 people turned up including climbers, walkers and concerned locals. We spent most of the day there, several good routes were done and all was very peaceful, as witnessed by police, press, radio and TV. It certainly helped that the owner stayed away. I was pretty appalled at the damage done by the owner; barbed wire, tar or oil poured over boulders, old steps and stiles removed. I find it hard to believe that this sort of action can be legal, especially in a National Park. We intend to start a petition soon, on paper and on the web. Thanks very much to those who made the effort on Saturday. I hope it will be worth it in the long run. One things for sure, if we do nothing, nothing will happen. "

The media immediately picked up on the demonstration with reports at the BBC and the Observer/Guardian websites..

If you would like to learn more about the situation there is a long thread started by Chief Officer of the BMC, Dave Turnball at the UKClimbing.com forums.


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14 Sep, 2005
That's absolutely appalling - tantamount to attempted murder!!
14 Sep, 2005
it may be safer to try the north face of haytor E4-6, as they need traffic and are similar. The excitment of confrontation with landowners is replaced by intrusive ponies which are on heat at the moment. Don't bend over.
14 Sep, 2005
Ian - I can't say much more on this at present as the police are making their investigations. I've spoken to the climbers and have offered the BMC's support - it goes without saying that we're appalled about the incident.
14 Sep, 2005
Can or should any organisation seek to influence the course of justice? Whatever the crime maybe. (I would suggest we steer clear of specifics on this one as it is somewhat unclear whether some of the charges are againest the climbers themselves. How do you intend to achieve this? "BMC bribes judge" would look great in the papers! regards Tim Jones
14 Sep, 2005
What do you mean by 'get done for trespass'? Unless damage was done or intended, trespass isn't a criminal offence.
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