Comment | Read Comments (1)

LONG Island's new owner may be looking forward to kicking back and relaxing in a private paradise.

But the public may yet be granted the right to continue using the "back garden" of the new landlord.

While negotiations to finalise a deal with a mystery bidder continue, an application has been lodged to recognise public rights of way on the Poole island.

Long Island is still regularly used by the public, particularly in the summer when there can be as many as 200 people enjoying the island's beaches and wildlife, and the new owner could be given no choice but to share the land.

As a regular user of the island, John Richardson, 63, from Hamworthy, has submitted the rights of way application to Dorset County Council.

He said: "I have been going to Long Island since 1975 and the landowners (the Rempstone Estate) have never put up any signs or notices warning people off - had they done so we'd have been trespassing.

"In the summer, it is like a public beach and there can be 10 to 15 boats moored up.

"The public have kind of taken it over, collecting rubbish and so on."

Mr Richardson said over the years paths had been worn around the perimeter of the island and up to the two viewpoints.

"These rights of way have been formed by human feet and we just want to see that recognised," he said.

Groups such as Poole Canoe Club and the Rockley Sailing School also use the island, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest, during the year.

Dorset County Council's senior rights of way officer Chris Slade said the key to the claim was the formation of well-worn footpaths, though a decision could be a long time coming.

He said: "It is a prolonged process and could take three to four years for the application to get to the top of the heap.

"We will consult with everyone who uses the island and seek evidence as to whether the claimed rights exist."

Stephen Noble, estate agent for the Long Island sale, said the potential new owner was aware of the rights of way application.

7:00pm Friday 18th January 2008

Print

Email this

Comment