The ManxSPCA has raised its concerns about plans to end the government’s dog warden service.

Environment, Food and Agricultural Minister Phil Gawne told the Manx Independent that the current dog warden service would end on April 1 due to reduced budgets.

But he said that a decision was yet to be taken on what it would be replaced with.

Bill Cubbon, chairman of the ManxSPCA, has written to the Minister with his concerns. The two sides are due to meet on Friday next week (February 28) in the hope of reaching an agreement on the way forward.

In a statement from the charity, it explains DEFA is proposing the service is carried out by the department’s pest control officers.

‘This, in the opinion of the ManxSPCA, is not a viable proposition as these officers work from 9am until 5pm and do not cover weekends or bank holidays.

‘We do not consider the proposed action to be in the best interests of the animals or, indeed, their concerned owners who will have no way of contacting the pest control officers out of hours.’

At present, if a dog is taken by the dog warden it is kept in secure kennels on his premises. If, after the statutory seven-day period it is unclaimed it goes to Ard Jerkyll and the society follows the guidelines of its normal adoption procedure.

If all the rescue kennels at Ard Jerkyll are occupied, the society pays for the dog’s care until it can be brought to it.

But the ManxSPCA understands the £10 cost per animal per day for this ‘could be considerably higher under the new system’.

The charity is also seeking clarity ‘as a matter of urgency’ who would decide the future of dogs unclaimed after seven days, saying it is not confident the decision being in the department’s hands ‘is in the best interests of the animals’.

Mr Gawne said the decision had been taken to end the dog warden service, adding: ‘But as to what we will do instead, there’s no decision. And if there’s a compelling case for a dog warden service, that can be done with less money then we will look at that.’

He said: ‘There’s an assumption everything is agreed and finalised six/seven weeks before the change is implemented. The savings having to be made across government mean we are having to do things at a far quicker pace.’

The Minister added: ‘I genuinely believe a decision is there to be found.

‘I want to make sure we come up with something that works, that’s cost-effective, and most importantly is in the best interests of the animal.’

The ManxSPCA’s statement has received mixed opinions on the its Facebook page.

Joanne Oldbury, who works at Arg Beiyn Veterinary Practice, said: ‘I don’t think we know enough about the skills, training and facilities of the new team to slate them yet.

‘All the facts don’t appear to be on the table, so perhaps it would be pertinent to wait and see exactly what the new process shall be.’

Allie Brophy, who delivers a project to help primary school children understand empathy towards animals, said: ‘The dog warden does an excellent job and this service is very, very much needed.

‘This system already works fantastically in conjunction with MSPCA, it would be a complete shame if this was taken away due to funding.’

In addition to DEFA’s dog warden service, some local authorities employ wardens to enforce dog control byelaws.

Constable Kevin Newburn’s dedication to vulnerable young people has earned him a nomination for Isle of Man Newspapers’ Community Police Officer of the Year Award.

Kevin, aged 46, has worked in the Youth Justice Team for five years, and its his role to make decisions for outcomes for people under 18 who have committed offences.

It’s his belief that ‘if you make changes at an early age, it can stop problems later on’.

Emma Redmayne, who works at Ballakermeen High School, said Kevin consistently provides a remarkable service to looked-after children, young offenders, children who have been identified by other agencies as in need of additional support, and young people currently not in education, employment or training.

‘Kevin’s commitment to the engagement of young people not only reduces the likelihood of discrimination, but it reduces the risk of additional barriers these young people could face,’ she said.

She also praised him for his commitment to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, as well as his voluntary work with the Youth Motor Project.

Scott Wilson came into contact with Kevin through his role as careers advisor in the Department of Economic Development’s careers service.

‘Kevin has a commitment to the island’s community and goes beyond what his job role demands, yet he never expects anything in return for the work he does.’

Scott said that asking for his assistance to help young people struggling to find work or move into education or training was one way in which Kevin goes beyond the demands of his role.

The mother of a son who has been in trouble with the police in the past said Kevin’s inspiring outlook makes a big difference to young people.

‘His being there, caring and supportive approach to situations helps show people the way to go and helps them to flourish in the right direction.’

Kevin originally joined Greater Manchester police in 1998 and has been with Isle of Man Constabularly since 2004.

He was nominated for our 2009 award by Queen Elizabeth II High School for his work with staff and pupils.

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The deadline for nominations is March 14.

To make a nomination send the full name of your chosen officer, and your reasons for choosing him or her, to: Jackie Turley, Isle of Man Newspapers, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5PZ.

Please include your own full name, address and telephone number so we can contact you.

Police are appealing for witnesses after receiving reports of dangerous driving.

Attention is being focussed on a dark coloured vehicle which was seen leaving the Peel area, heading towards St John’s and through to Douglas at around 4pm on Sunday, February 9.

The vehicle is reported to have performed a number of dangerous overtakes despite there being oncoming traffic.

Anyone who has information about this incident should contact Police Headquarters on 631212. A reward may be payable as a result of your information.

You may also contact the anonymous Isle of Man Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is warning passengers that tomorrow’s trips to and from Birkenhead may be disrupted by strong winds.

The 8am sailing from Douglas and the return journey at 2pm could be affected.

A statement from the firm said: ‘To give these sailing’s every opportunity a final decision will be made at 7am.’

For further sailing information please visit www.steam-packet.com/en/LatestSailings

This year will mark the Isle of Man’s first ever all-island Volunteers’ Week, which is set to be launched on March 1.

Celebrating and appreciating the work of volunteers has been the aim of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) in the UK for 30 years, where Volunteers’ Week takes place annually during the first week in June.

The Noble’s Hospital Volunteer Service is spearheading the launch of the first-ever Isle of Man Volunteers’ Week during the week of March 1 to 7.

The island’s voluntary organisations are encouraged to celebrate Volunteers’ Week by saying ‘thank you’, to their existing volunteers and encourage other people to sign up to volunteering.

Noble’s Hospital Volunteers Service is organising the island’s biggest ever volunteer recruitment drive.

This year’s theme is based on the popular card game ‘Happy Families’ and the Sefton Group has sponsored the event, which it is free for the public to attend.

Alison Lester, Noble’s Hospital volunteer service manager, said: ‘The purpose behind organising this event is to “match” the right volunteer to the right organisation.

‘This is a free event for the public.

‘Anyone considering volunteering is invited to come along to the Sefton Hotel Garden room, on Saturday, March 1, from 10am – 2pm.’

Applications are now being invited for the Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering Programme at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education, which starts in September 2014.

The programme is being expanded this year so that 36 places will be available in the September 2014 intake.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) says it has a long track record of supporting skills development through initiatives such as the ACE (Awareness of Careers in Engineering) Programme within the Island’s primary and secondary schools and support for an Engineering Skills Champion.

sectors

Chris Allen, chair of the Manufacturing and Technical Industries Committee of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce said: ‘The Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering Course is a modern take on the traditional engineering apprenticeship specifically targeted at the aerospace, precision engineering and high-tech sectors on the Isle of Man.

‘Many businesses in these sectors are currently boasting significant growth and skills shortages are threatening to limit this.

‘The industry has worked together with the Department of Education and Children and DED to develop the course content and approach.

‘Students will complete two years at the college and will receive not only tuition for academic qualifications but also practical training, which will enable them to join industry to complete a third year as an apprentice.

‘Manufacturing businesses have committed to recruit their future apprentices directly from this course.

‘The industry is very excited about this course and so if anyone is interested in an apprenticeship with some of the island’s most exciting manufacturers then this course is for you.’

A former army captain from Onchan is planning to run 100 miles in the summer to promote organ donation and encourage people to sign up to the donors’ register.

Phil Marshall, who went to St Ninian’s High School, is undertaking the challenge to publicise the need for organ donors after his wife Sarah was diagnosed with a serious lung condition last October.

The illness came unexpectedly when Sarah collapsed and was taken to hospital where tests found she was suffering from pulmonary hypertension.

Life expectancy for sufferers is estimated to be between two and 10 years.

The best hope is a heart and lung transplant but many patients die while still on the waiting list for a suitable organ donor.

Phil said: ‘The whole 12 months has been a real rollercoaster of all sorts of emotions, through frustration to just being sad at times with the diagnosis.’

Sarah added: ‘It was very difficult. Because we didn’t know what was wrong with me, it was incredibly frustrating.

‘I could hardly move, I couldn’t breathe properly, everything just went wrong overnight.’

The couple now live in Oxfordshire where Sarah was a teacher before becoming ill, and Phil is an assistant bank manager.

Phil’s challenge starts with a half-marathon in April, followed by a full marathon, then the 85-mile Parish Walk and then culminating in a 100-mile run in August. To find out more visit www.igiveyoumyheart.org

St German’s Cathedral’s new logo has won praise from a New York design website.

Stocklogos.com describes the design, by Titman Firth, as ‘remarkable’ and ‘light years ahead of anything else’.

sQUIGGLY

The article, written by Chris Dickman, then goes into detail of what the ‘two squiggly lines’ in the logo represents.

The larger line on the right is a ‘G’ in reference to St German, in whose name the cathedral is dedicated.

In the left hand line is the semblance of a fish, which is not only a symbol of Christianity but also relates to Peel’s fishing industry.

Also represented in the logo is a bishop’s crozier or staff.

The sense of motion in the logo is in phase with the Three Legs of Man.

The writer goes on to say, ‘I think the design stands on its own. I can only hope that other churches will take note of this refreshing design direction’.

Police want to trace a car with English number plates which was last seen on Saturday, February 15.

The silver Ford Ka, with registration YX03 WNC, was left locked and secure in the area of Woodville Terrace, Douglas.

Any sightings should be reported to police headquarters on 631212.

Developer Heritage Homes has won a high court victory that could pave the way for the Castletown Golf Links Hotel being turned into flats.

But the ruling has dismayed members of the Derbyhaven Residents Society who have been campaigning to retain the landmark building as a hotel - and say they are very disappointed the Deemster rejected their call for a new Area Plan specifically for the Langness peninsula.

Chairman of the Society, Tim Cullen, said: ‘We have two simple and fundamental objectives in relation to Langness.

‘For years now, the Golf Links Hotel has been a neglected and deteriorating blot on the landscape. Many of us remember the time when it was a place where people from all over the island came to enjoy its restaurant and other facilities.

‘We would like there to be a hotel with a good restaurant and scope for leisure activities, thus providing benefits not just to the south, but to the whole island and to visitors, notably golfers.

‘Our other and overriding objective is to make sure that the rest of Langness has a prohibition on new residential building so that Langness remains exactly as it is, thus preserving its natural and historic characteristics.’

Mr Cullen said the Society would now seek the support of local MHKs, Manx National Heritage and other groups to have Langness designated a National Heritage Area.

In the high court, the lawyer acting for the developer described as ‘perverse and absurd’ a condition in the Southern Area Plan that does not permit new or replacement buildings in Langness unless their use is connected with the golf course.

Landscape proposal LP21 states that new or replacement buildings on Langness should not be permitted ‘except for use ancillary to the operation and use of the golf course or, in the case of the former hotel site, for hotel accommodation’.

Fort Island Developments, in which Heritage Homes owns a 50 per cent stake, purchased the Golf Links Hotel in 2012 for £2.5 million. The landmark hotel had been closed since 2007.

Derbyhaven residents and the owner of the Castletown Golf Links, Philip Vermeulen, challenged Dandara’s legal bid to quash LP21. They called for both landscape proposals relating to Langness in the Southern Area Plan to be scrapped claiming they don’t afford sufficient protection for the area.

But the developer’s advocate Tom Maher described that challenge as an ‘apparent attempt to frustrate any development’ of the hotel.

The Southern Area Plan took almost five years to get to its final form, with several consultation exercises and a full public inquiry.

In 2011, the Department of Infrastructure agreed to remove LP21 from the draft plan but at the 11th hour the provision was reinstated. In court, Mr Maher said the department had admitted this was a mistake and the insertion of LP21 was largely due to the political members preferring the views of the Derbyhaven Residents Society rather han continuing to follow the preferred course advised by the public inquiry inspector.

In his judgement, Deemster Andrew Corlett quashed LP21 saying the area would still be protected by the landscape proposals in the Area Plan and general policies for the protection of the environment, public access and heritage sites containined the Strategic Plan.

In a statement Dandara said: ‘This judgment is a clear statement that both established legal principles and good planning practice as opposed to political interference should have prevailed during the Southern Area Plan process.

‘Thankfully common sense has prevailed and the absurd and unworkable LP21 has been removed from the Southern Area Plan.’

Firefighters from Castletown were called out to tackle a kitchen blaze yesterday (Saturday) at 6.20pm after a chip pan was left unattended.

The incident happened at Orry Place, Castletown, and the home owner had successfully put out the fire by the time crews arrived by putting a damp cloth over the pan.

A statement from the Isle of Man Fire Service said: ‘She had inhaled an amount of smoke and was treated on scene by fire fighting personnel using an oxygen therapy unit. She did not require hospital treatment but the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service would like to emphasise that the best policy when faced with a fire in the home is to get out, stay out and call 999. Don’t try to tackle the fire yourself, and never go back into a burning building.’

Peter Greenhill is an experienced soccer ref who has, in his time, had to cope with vocal managers such as Terry Venables and Sir Alex Ferguson on the touchline.

The ‘man in black’ is now in the running for Isle of Man Newspapers’ referee of the year competition for his work in Manx football.

Father of four Mr Greenhill, aged 60, told Business News in an exclusive interview that his weekend experiences on the soccer field are of great use in his work as chief executive officer, eGaming Development at the Department of Economic Development.

Londoner Mr Greenhill took over in the important job last summer and spoke to Business News shortly after returning from a highly successful ICE Totally Gaming event in the capital.

Mr Greenhill said his experiences as a ref definitely rubbed off on his work in the business world.

‘Man management and dealing with people is paramount in any senior role,’ he said.

‘I used to referee for the FA and I used to assess referees for the English FA.

‘I’ve been the fourth official at Premier League games before now. There were loads [of games], several involving Manchester United.

‘I’ve had Fergie time, there was Terry Venables when he was at Spurs. I think the biggest one I did was a Fifth round FA Cup match when Manchester United was at Wimbledon. I was fourth official at that one. It was live on Sky.

He said being fourth official meant you tended to hang around near the managers and ‘hear the abuse. It tends to go in one ear and out the other’.

Mr Greenhill said referees need to have a tough skin.

Asked by Business News: ‘In some ways does being a ref translate into the work you do he replied: ‘It’s dealing with people and any form of business is dealing with people. That’s the bit of it I enjoy.’

Here in the Isle of Man he is on the island’s ref list and is full of praise for the quality of soccer played here.

‘I assess referees over here and I do a lot of premier league games over here.’

Talking generally about his time in English football he said: ‘Football managers are of a certain ilk.’

Mr Greenhill is proud of the island’s eGaming industry. And it is clear he would be more than willing to blow the whistle or wave the red card on any companies that did not come up to the island’s exacting and world standard regulatory standards.

He said the island had led the way in terms of player protection of their funds.

He said he could not rule out future business coming from the United States where laws differ from state to state.

The eGaming team for the Department of Economic Development and representatives from the Isle of Man’s eGaming sector reported an extremely high number of enquiries from potential new business showing serious interest following the ICE event in London’s Docklands.

Thousands of delegates from around the world attended the three day event and Mr Greenhill apologised for taking sips of water because his voice was suffering a little after the hectic trip.

He revealed one delegate from New Zealand was so impressed with what he saw on the Isle of Man stand he then flew direct to the island for a short stay to see the place for himself and consider bringing a new company over.

Mr Greenhill said: ‘The quality of the attendees at the Isle of Man stand surpassed all expectations.

‘At ICE we met senior representatives of diverse businesses seeking to relocate to the island from all aspects of gaming ranging from potential licensees, software houses and software developers through to those with innovative, patented new ideas in standard sports book and casino models.

‘The Isle of Man already has 56 licensed eGaming operators and my team is now working with around 15 businesses who are actively considering locating here.

‘Our world class technology infrastructure, stable economy, internationally respected regulation and supportive Government were quoted as reasons why we were being chosen – and of course a cost effective operating base that welcomes new companies, their staff and their owners.’

Howard Quayle MHK, the department’s political member with responsibility for eGaming, joined the Isle of Man delegation for part of the event.

He said: ‘Undoubtedly ICE 2014 has been a great success for the Isle of Man.

‘From the hundreds of people who came to the stand and from experiencing first-hand the collaborative and partnership approach that Government and industry take, it is clear that the island is a highly professional, respected key player in this industry.

‘It was also apparent from the visitors to the stand that I spoke with that many potential licensees were already favouring the Isle of Man over other jurisdictions and were looking at how to proceed to do business with us. The broader eBusiness sector, which includes eGaming, has grown very rapidly such that it now represents over 14 per cent of the Isle of Man’s economy and directly employs more than 1,500 people.

‘I am confident that the relationships developed at ICE 2014 will ultimately translate into new jobs and further economic benefit.’

The Steam Packet has leant its support to a Manx team involved in a new film project.

Eight film crew members travelled to England to shoot ‘Him Upstairs’. The short film is a touching character-led comedy drama about a Liverpudlian psychic, Margaret Conroy.

The screenplay was written by Manx resident Sonya Quayle and her best friend Neil Mooney, and won Best Unproduced Screenplay at last year’s British Independent Film Festival. Also involved in the production is Isle of Man-based and BAFTA-nominated cinematographer John Craine.

The film is being made to coincide with the sland of Culture year, and is also being supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council and charity Age Isle of Man.

The lead role in Him Upstairs is being played by Gwen Taylor (Duty Free and Coronation Street). Ricky Tomlinson (The Royle Family, Brookside and Cracker) plays her beloved husband Frank, while Kieron Richardson (Hollyoaks and Dancing on Ice) appears in the role of James.

Shooting took place on a purpose-built set at Lime Pictures in Liverpool, and the Steam Packet Company agreed to meet the transport costs for the local crew.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘When we were contacted by the producer of Him Upstairs, we were very keen to lend our support to what promises to be an important project.

‘The island is fortunate to have many talented, creative people, and working at a facility like Lime Pictures with such an experienced cast will help enhance those skills and bring benefits to the filmmaking community in the Isle of Man.’

Him Upstairs Co-producer Zoe Guilford added: ‘This project has been kindly supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council and charity Age Isle of Man, and it is important as much of the budget as possible is spent on making the best film we can. That is why assistance from the Steam Packet is so vital.’

Photo: (from left) Jane Glasson (producer), Gemma Wasley (Design), Zoe Guilford (Producer), Dawn Hamer (design), John Craine (director of photography), Sonya Quayle (director), Georgia Quilliam (camera assistant) and Adam Gilman (hair and make-up) on board

A set of Manx stamps released this week celebrates the 50th display season of the Red Arrows.

The celebratory anniversary pack comes complete with six stamps that depict the speed, agility and precision of the synchronised acrobatics team.

The Red Arrows is the public face of the Royal Air Force and have thrilled thousands of and spectators with displays around the globe, including the Isle of Man, where they often appear in TT Week.

Maxine Cannon, general manager Isle of Man Stamps and Coins said: ‘The stamps look fantastic and frame the images of the planes perfectly. We are delighted to be able help the Red Arrows celebrate its landmark 50th display season with this commemorative set and to be able to add these to our portfolio of stamp collections.’

Squadron leader Jim Turner said: ‘The stamps beautifully capture the images of the jets, the sky and the countless audiences who have enjoyed the displays performed by the team around the world.

‘Those pictures used in the design of the stamps demonstrate speed, precision and dedication – which are not just hallmarks of the Red Arrows but also of the Royal Air Force as a whole.

‘The stamps also help celebrate what will be a very special 2014 for the team – our 50th display season.

‘The Isle of Man has often been a date in our display calendar, involving the TT celebrations, and is an event we look forward to.’

iompost.com

Sports scientist Sam Murphy has developed a progressive strength and conditioning programme designed to help primary school children develop into stronger, more robust and enduring adults.

He is the founder of The Manx Olympic Legacy, which he hopes will become a regular part of schools’ timetables from reception class (ages four and five).

Sam, of Kirk Michael, said: ‘It is designed to help children get the best possible start to their sporting lives as well as preventing future health issues such as poor posture and flexibility.

‘The programme is crucially important and extremely beneficial because it will help children get into the right sport, and succeed at it, from an earlier age.

‘It will also educate children to prevent sporting injuries and exercise a healthy lifestyle.

‘Many important movements involving squats, hinges, pushes and pulls can help children mature healthily into an injury free way of life.

‘The programme could put Isle of Man students on a level playing field with the rest of the world to provide them with clear opportunities to fulfil their potential to become a part of the inspired generation.’

Sam designed the programme after studying sport science at Bangor University and a Masters level degree in sports science - strength and Conditioning at the University of Chester.

He has worked with many university scholarship athletes through DNA Sports Performance in Manchester.

Sam said: ‘Its frustrating that so much of the early training stages in adolescent athletes is spent teaching basic movement skills, that should have been established much earlier in their lives, not only for athletic development but for general health and lifestyle.’

He said regular tests provide important information about development of the child’s physical attributes.

These results will encourage further analysis and research to be carried out, which could potentially add to the current body of literature available for developing healthy young athletic adults.

Sam is always looking for quantifiable, objective evidence that the programme is working.

‘I am ecstatic to find across all my reception and year one athletes, that the percentage of children passing a simple neurological test increased from 29 per cent to 60 per cent in only six weeks.’

St John’s School deputy head teacher Peter Lewis said: ‘The children involved in these sessions have made significant physical improvements and, importantly understand the reasons why they are carrying out the activities.’

In December Sam won his class at the British Weightlifting Association’s Northern Open in Wakefield.

For more information on The Manx Olympic Legacy, email sam_murphy@hotmail.co.uk or call 409316.

The first signs of development of the land at Ballakilley, which borders Port Erin and Rushen, are evident. Developer Heritage Homes has moved machinery onto the fields to begin building the infrastructure to develop the 155 dwellings. 
Most of the development falls in Rushen parish including two fields - on Ballafesson Road (between Ponyfields and The Barracks Cottage) and on Church Road (beside Rushen parish church burial ground) - that are earmarked for recreational use.
Rushen Parish Commissioners are in discussion about the recreational use of the land including Southern Nomads and a BMX track.

Picture: John Maddrell JM140217 (14)

Plans have been submitted for a 500-seat hospitality facility for VIPs in Noble’s Park, Douglas, to be used not just for the TT and Festival of Motorcycling.

The Department of Economic Development has applied (14/00170/B) for the facility from the two weeks prior to TT in May to two weeks after the Festival of Motorcycling in September, for this year and ‘all future years that the events take place’.

A statement from horncastle: thomas states that a hospitality facility for VIPs ‘is no longer viewed as desirable, but an essential element in the development and delivery of corporate hospitality’.

It is Council of Ministers policy on motor sports to further develop existing events.

‘It is intended, therefore, to utilise the facility during the intervening period, between the bookend events of May and September, for occasional weekend presentations, such as Rally Isle of Man,’ the statement continues.

‘These will be motor sport focussed events.’

It would include a commercial kitchen, coffee and licensed bars, and a full audiovisual system and stage.

Organisations planning events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War are being encouraged to promote their activities via a central calendar.

The government has established a working group to help community organisations and public authorities mark significant milestones taking place over the next four years.

Chaired by Edmund Southworth, director of Manx National Heritage, the group brings together government officers and representatives from the Royal British Legion, Municipal Association and Chamber of Commerce.

It will not directly organise activities or allocate funding, and will instead provide central co-ordination for First World War commemorations being held in the island. Work will also focus on helping to raise awareness of the Isle of Man’s contribution to the Great War and encouraging community participation in events.

The government website provides an overview of WWI’s momentous impact on the Isle of Man, not just in the considerable number of lives lost, but also in the profound economic, social and political upheaval experienced at the time.

This site also features a local events calendar, so that Island organisations can publicise their activities and avoid any potential clashes.

This central support is in addition to First World War projects being planned by government departments, boards and offices, including the major exhibition ‘This Terrible Ordeal’, which opened at the Manx Museum earlier this month.

Mr Southworth said: ‘Many nations will mark the anniversaries of key events during the period from 2014 to 2018, reflecting on the experiences of ordinary men and women and how the war has shaped the last 100 years. We want to gain an overview of how the Isle of Man as a whole is planning to commemorate the First World War, so that we can help to co-ordinate and publicise activities via the Government website and act as a central point of contact for information.’

Any individuals or organisations planning to stage an event between 2014 and 2018 are asked to complete the online form and return it to Ann Craine, Secretary to the First World War commemoration steering group, on email at ann.craine@cso.gov.im or phone 685211.

Peveril Road in Peel will remain closed until Friday while repairs take place to repair a collapsed sewer.

A statement from the Department of Infrastructure this morning confirmed the road collapsed on Thursday and work was due to start today (Monday).

It continued: ‘A void had formed along the line of a sewer, and whilst the sewer itself remains sound, it is likely that the void has been caused by the movement of groundwater along its line, washing out the fill material to create the void.

‘This process may have been going on for years, and may have been accelerated by the recent very wet weather which has caused the water tables to rise.’ ‘We anticipate that the road will re-open on Friday afternoon (February 28) but will update on progress.

‘A diversion route is signed. The whole road up to the top entrance to Victoria Terrace will be re-surfaced in the coming months.’

‘We are grateful to residents and motorists for their patience whilst the Department addresses this issue.’

For more information, contact Bill Corlett at the DoI on 686660.

The Liberal Vannin Party has a new leader.

Douglas South MHK Kate Beecroft was elected leader at the party’s annual general meeting at the South Douglas Old Friends’ Club in Douglas on Sunday.

She replaces long-time leader and Lib Van founder Peter Karran (Onchan) who takes a back seat, saying he will just be a member of the party from now on.

Mr Karran, who proposed Mrs Beecroft at the AGM for the leader’s role, said: ‘I think the time has come for the party to have a new leader.

‘Kate has proved herself so well. She is the best parliamentarian I have ever sat with in Tynwald. She has got the right values. She is outstanding in trying to hold to account a system of government that is institutionally corrupt.’

Since she was first elected in 2011, Mrs Beecroft has become quite a thorn in the side of Treasury, with her dogged questioning of the Pinewood and Sefton deals and issues about the management at Noble’s Hospital.

On her Facebook page, Mrs Beecroft said: ‘Thanks everyone. It quite a responsibility though but I am chuffed.’