There has been more trouble at Langness.

Wendi Keggin, property manager for the peninsula including the Langness Lighthouse Cottages, has issued an apology for having to lock the gate to prevent access to car drivers who have been using the land as a ’racetrack’.

She told the Examiner: ’I’m sorry to have to do it because it makes it harder for older people who now have to climb over the stile, but I haven’t got a choice.’

An incidence of this occurred last month, the same night that Malew AFC, based at Clagh Vane in Ballasalla, reported that its pitch has been driven over, leaving tyre tracks.

Wendi said that she also heard a motorbike one night.

She added that her main concern, looking at the tyre tracks they left behind, was how close they were going to the cliff edges in the dark.

’It’s quite a drop down some of those,’ she pointed out.

Wendi also warned anyone walking their dogs after dark that there has been an incidence of someone tying wire across two footpaths, at just the height at which it would catch a larger dog around its neck.

She said: ’A friend of mine who walks her dogs early in the morning in the dark discovered it when her labrador was nearly garrotted. I just don’t understand the mentality - I thought these people were meant to be dog lovers?’

Wendi reported that the troublemakers’ latest tactic involves the use of dog excrement.

She said: ’We also have a moron visiting us who feels the need to fill the padlocks with dog muck so be careful where you put your hands on the gates and stiles.’

Langness has long been targeted by what has been described as ’militant dog walkers’ who took former owner and TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson to a public inquiry when he attempted to divert a footpath that ran around his property.

The latest twist in the tale was initiated by the arrival last year of three Highland cows. The cattle, named Evita, Edna and Ethel, have proved immensely popular with the public, and have recently been joined by a small flock of Loaghtan sheep.

The animals were brought in following advice from the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture on how to control the gorse and protect the habitat of rare grasshoppers and local birdlife.

They have proved less popular with a minority of dog walkers who have objected to fencing being put up and notices requesting that dogs should be put on a lead in certain areas of the peninsula.

In May this year we reported that police had been called in after some fencing around the paddock where the cows were initially kept was torn down, letting the cows loose. Signs have also been ripped from fences and left on the ground.

Wendi herself has been the target of much anger.

’You should hear the abuse I get,’ she said.

’One person has a police caution for pushing me against a car.

’We’ve never had any objection to people walking on the land but people have got to realise that they only have access to the public footpath and so does their dog, not to run all over the land. Eight-five to 90% of people are brilliant. It’s just the small minority.’

She is hopeful that keeping dogs under control on private land at Langness may soon become a byelaw, meaning that the police would be able to prosecute anyone not doing so.

Barry Powell, clerk to Malew Commissioners, said: ’Our dogs byelaws are due for renewal so we will be looking at all sorts of areas of the parish. We aim to start the process in February and Langness will be one of these areas.

’We will be working closely with the DoI and we will invite members of the public to submit their views.’

On social media Wendi said: ’If you see anyone removing signs or damaging property please contact the police as they are aware of the problems the minority are creating.

’Thank you for visiting this beautiful place and to the intelligent dog walkers who keep their dogs on leads. I am very grateful.’