Eviction underway of local man living off-grid

Police and DEFA are there to enforce the order

The eviction of a local man, who lives off-grid on publically owned land in Ramsey is underway.

Officials from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture were due to evict Dan Richardson, also known as "Squirrel Dan" on Friday, but didn't turn up.

After 9 am officials and police enforced the eviction notice. Mr Richardson was given five months to vacate his cabin last year after a court ruled he was trespassing. Last week he appealed the decision.

In the last half hour, Mr Richardson confirmed to Manx Radio that police and officials from DEFA were present at his cabin.

In a statement reissued this morning, DEFA says:

"The Department has engaged with Mr Richardson to explain the reasons that he must vacate the Department’s land at Nut Glen.  The Court found in favour of the Department’s ownership and right to secure possession of the land. 

"The cabin is built without either planning approval or the Department’s consent, as land-owner. This cannot be condoned or ignored. The Department has a duty to protect public land for the enjoyment of everyone. 

"The Department’s rural estate is a popular visitor venue which needs to be protected to ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by the wide range of day visitors.  The Department sincerely hopes that Mr Richardson will respect the findings of the court and the Department’s goal to protect these wonderful natural assets by vacating the land amicably. 

"The Department have offered support with the dismantling and storage of the cabin and also signposted related supporting agencies."