After the ban on dogs from urinating on the grass, a row broke out at Britain’s most well-known tourist spot.
The pets are now prohibited from visiting St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall. Only assistance dogs are allowed on the landmark, which is owned and managed by the National Trust.
Bosses at the tourist attraction where there’s an a clifftop castle and a cafe, and a pub – say canines won’t be allowed cross the causeway which is the only access to the island that is closed at high tide.
They claimed that urine from dogs visiting the property is scorching the lawns and grounds.
According to the St Michael’s Mount website, the decision was made after dogs had ‘burned the grass brown’ and made these small areas unsuitable for small children playing.
The ban follows a £14 charge being imposed on visitors to the island. It was free to visit the cafe and walk around the village, but you had to pay to enter the castle.
Bosses at St Michael’s Mount where there’s an clifftop castle and a cafe, as well as a pub, are not allowed to cross the causeway which is the only access to the island.
Michele Cornish, 57-year-old, who regularly visits St Michael’s Mount along with her dog, said that she was’saddened’ about the ruling.
She said, “My family and me have always enjoyed walking to the harbour on the Island, making purchases in the two shops, and eating a meal at one of the cafes.
“I understand why dogs cannot walk up to the house but I don’t get why they aren’t allowed to walk around the harbour.
Anne Millward, another visitor, stated on social media that she had walked over the causeway but was denied access because dogs are now prohibited.
‘Such a shame as I was planning on buying some Xmas pressies from the shop and having lunch in the café.
‘Never mind, I ended up spending £150 on gifts in the shops in Marazion and went back to The Lizard for lunch. Win win for local business, big loss to National Trust.
Alice Dennis said, ‘It used be so nice walking them across that. Even keeping them in a leash, once they are in their yard, would be okay. I don’t see any damage they could cause.
Jan Amos commented: ‘We often walk across to the island and visit the shops and café but as dogs are now banned we won’t be visiting again and we certainly wouldn’t pay £14 each for the privilege.’
According to the St Michael’s Mount website, dogs are not allowed on the island except for assistance dogs.
According to the St Michael’s Mount website (stock image), the decision was made after the ‘use of dogs scorched the lawn brown and rendered these areas unsightly and unsuitable as small children at play’.
Assistance dogs are very welcome on the island as well as in the castle and garden. However, we do not permit any other dogs on the island.
‘The compact harbour is mainly cobbled. There are limited areas of grass, which are integral to Mount character.
“Previously, dogs used to scorch the grass and made these small areas unsuitable for small children playing. This policy change was necessary.
“Dogs are not permitted in the steeply-terrazated, narrow garden, the lawn, nor in the castle. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Recently, regular visitors of St Michael’s Mount complained about the new £14 charge to access the island, its shops and café, which they described as ‘appalling’ and ‘disgraceful’.
The island, which you can access by causeway at lower tides, or pay a small fee to travel by boat, was once free to explore and to access.
Only visits of the castle itself had to be paid for on the famous island with its café and cottages.
To manage the crowds during the coronavirus epidemic, a new pre-booking system was implemented. Everyone, except National Trust members, will now have to pay for access to the island and village facilities.
The National Trust was asked to comment.