Tynwald will decide later whether there should be a public inquiry into the issue of public access to Langness.

Members began considering a report on the matter yesterday evening, but the proceedings were put on hold, when an insufficient number voted in favour of continuing the debate until its conclusion.

Beth Espey reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

Michael MHK David Cannan chaired a delegation looking for a solution to the issue of access to the area, following complaints from television presenter Jeremy Clarkson and his wife that walkers were invading their privacy.

The three-man committee is asking Tynwald to approve a new Bill which would create a legally established public footpath at Langness for the first time.

Recommendations also include the appointment of a warden to oversee the peninsula for a period of two years, and a payment of ?20,000 to Mr Clarkson and his wife as a contribution to their legal fees.

During the debate so far it has been suggested the solution is very one-sided, and hasn't taken into account the view of PRoWL (Public Rights of Way Langness) - the action group set up to oppose the Clarksons denying access to part of Langness.

However, other members have said that allowing the matter to go to a public inquiry would give no guarantee about the outcome, and accepting the report's recommendations offers some certainty.

There has also been criticism about the nature of some of Prowl's protests since their establishment, with some of their material referred to as "offensive".

The debate will resume at 10.30am (Wednesday) and if the report isn't supported, Tynwald will decide if there will be a public inquiry.

The case for one, will be put forward by Transport Minister David Anderson.

(Picture: The lighthouse at Langness).