Manx National Heritage, the national heritage charity for the Isle of Man, is appealing to the Island’s community to help safeguard our historic & natural environment, after a spate of damage in recent weeks.
At Peel Castle, damage has occurred to the entrance door, where social distancing signage, designed to keep visitors to the castle safe, was also removed. The idyllic location of Eary Cushlin was also affected by damage in June.
Edmund Southworth, Director of Manx National Heritage said:
“The Manx community will be saddened to hear of recent damage to our historic sites. Deliberate damage is a rare occurrence, yet the impact is significant. In monetary terms, this causes much needed funds to be diverted away from projects such as the maintenance of historic buildings in our care. In social terms, our heritage can be lost for future generations, having a lasting impact on the island we enjoy.
This is also the time of year when our countryside is very vulnerable to fire and so we want to remind people to take care when outdoors and not light fires or use portable barbecues. Please don’t leave litter or dog waste except in the bins provided – or take it home”.
Because of their importance and significance, many historic sites across the Isle of Man are protected under the terms of the Manx Museum and National Trust Act. Under the Act, any person injuring or defacing the Isle of Man’s historic monuments is liable to prosecution, possible imprisonment and a fine of up to £5,000.
Anyone with information on incidents of heritage crime should contact Isle of Man Constabulary or Manx National Heritage to help safeguard our Island’s heritage for generations to come.
ENDS
Editor’s Notes
Manx National Heritage is responsible for protecting and promoting the Isle of Man’s natural and cultural heritage. It is an Isle of Man registered charity (No 603) and looks after some of the Island’s most special places, spaces, archives and museum collections, making these available to a worldwide audience.