St Michael’s Mount view obscured by ‘prison fencing’

VILLAGERS are up in arms after their stunning view of one of Cornwall’s most famous landmarks was obscured by ‘prisonlike’ fencing.

Locals are unhappy at a new development along a section of the historic Coffin Trail between Perranuthnoe and Marazion, featuring industrial gates surrounded by fences over six feet high.

They say the development looks like a prison camp and is spoiling what was previously a glorious view out to nearby St Michael’s Mount.

One cheeky resident has even placed a sign (right) which reads “HMP Trenow. This facility has been erected to deprive the public from enjoying this very special place with no regard for the Cornish landscape.”

Writing on the local community group page, Charlotte Cairns said: “A few days ago I went around the back of the church and across to Trenow. I literally cried when I saw one of my favourite childhood views now hidden behind what appears to be a concentration camp of fencing over six foot high with three massive metal gates.

“I understand that the owner has stated she is planting an orchard here. Whilst I am a big fan of trees, it does seem to be such a shame to destroy this iconic view for everyone else who regularly uses this path.”

Other commenters have bemoaned the loss ofthe view with one person branding it “an eyesore with no justification whatsoever”, and others questioned how it can be allowed to happen in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

But landowners Joanna Titchell and Richard de-Unger said the fence was to protect their new trees from damage by browsing deer.

The couple who have lived in the village for 16 years, say the fencing hasn’t obscured the view and has simply stopped people roaming in the field. They said everyone was kept fully informed.

“Before we put up the fence we put signs up with our phone number asking people to contact us with any questions but nobody did.

“We also informed the parish council and highways and byways. We’ve put in a path that is 2.5 metres x 3 metres wide which is far wider than the existing path.

“We’ve made sure all we’ve done is correct. We didn’t just put up the fence and put two fingers in the air.”