THE number of passengers using Isle of Man Airport has fallen sharply.

Around 59,500 passengers passed through the terminal in September, a drop of 7.5 per cent on the same month last year when some 64,300 used the airport.

While a fall in traffic was expected, the decrease is significantly greater than anticipated.

It is partly the result of hundreds of visitors to last year’s Commonwealth Youth Games having to switch from sea to air travel as poor weather cancelled ferry departures.

With 4,800 fewer passengers using Ronaldsway, it’s the largest fall in traffic since the winter storms caused a drop of 8,100 in December 2010 and the lowest September throughput for the airport since 1996.

Tesco was refused an alcohol licence for a proposed Express store, in Callow’s Yard, Castletown, for the second time last month, with Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes, who chaired the licensing court, saying the court was ‘shocked’ by the current ratio of alcohol licences in Castletown to residents.

Tesco, which has said it needs to sell alcohol to be financially viable, has until the end of this week to give notice of an appeal.

Reporter Jackie Turley went to Castletown to ask shoppers whether they wanted to see a Tesco there.

Robert Bardsley, aged 30, of Callow’s Yard, Castletown:

‘I would like to see Tesco in Castletown because it would create more jobs. It would also benefit other businesses in the town, for example they might go to Tesco and then go to a coffee shop as well.

‘I would use it – it would be right on my doorstep!’

When asked why Tesco, as opposed to another shop, would be best to provide these benefits, he said: ‘Tesco is a worldwide chain and we have already got one in Douglas. It would be easier for people from the south to go to Castletown than go to Douglas.’

If Tesco don’t come to Castletown, he said he would like to see ‘something that’s long-standing, good for the south and good for the island, and something that would create more jobs because there’s a lot of people down south just coming out of school with no jobs at all’.

____________________

Charlotte Ali, aged 17, of Tynwald Grove, Castletown:

She said she would like to see Tesco open in Castletown: ‘It’s a lot cheaper and there’s more variety.’

Charlotte, who doesn’t drive but can get lifts from her boyfriend to the Douglas store, said: ‘I would definitely use it. It would be easier than travelling to Douglas all the time.’

She comes to Castletown every week to do food shopping, and said she would like to see more clothes shops in the town, and in particular, she would like to see a shop selling Ugg boots.

‘There is only one clothes shop and it is only for older people.’

____________________

Sidney Buckler, aged 71, of Farrants Park, Castletown:

‘I would like to see a Tesco possibly but I don’t think we need another outlet for alcohol. There’s plenty of pubs and off-licences already.’

He said he would ‘probably’ shop there if it opened in Callow’s Yard: ‘It’s closer to me than going round the corner.

‘I don’t have anything against Tesco or any of them.’

He said that Castletown ‘needs more shops’, adding: ‘It’s a long time since you could buy a pair of shoes in Castletown.’

____________________

Charlotte Allen, aged 23, of Malew Street, Castletown:

‘I think they should have a Tesco here because Shoprite is quite limited. You would have to go somewhere else to get all your shopping.

‘It would be good for the town. It wouldn’t bother me if alcohol was on sale there or not.’

Charlotte, who works at Castletown Health Store, and has a 14-month-old son, said: ‘It would be nice to go out and do your shopping at lunchtime and then go back to work, especially when you’ve got kids.

‘You don’t want to pick them up and drag them to the shops.’

She said that if not a Tesco Express, she would like to see a ‘proper, practical shop’ in its place, adding: ‘It’s all little gift shops around here. You can’t just go out and get what you need. You would have to go to Douglas or Port Erin and if you don’t drive it’s a bit of an inconvenience.’

____________________

Brian Harris, aged 70, of Athol Park, Port Erin:

‘I think a Tesco would do harm to local traders.

‘I’m a cynic regarding the big boys. Tesco is Tesco. It would look around the town at what small traders were selling and then stock them and sell them cheaper.

He added: ‘For the sort of thing Tesco sell, if you can’t get what you want from Shoprite and the Co-op there’s something wrong with them quite honestly.’

Brian said he goes to Castletown about once a week ‘to have a look around’, and added: ‘I come here specifically to buy toothpaste because Mr Patel’s chemist is the only [one] in the south that stocks Macleans.’

He said he agreed with the decision of the licensing court that there were enough licensed premises in the town already.

____________________

Susan St Maur, aged 57, of Ballastrooan, Colby:

‘I’m dead against it. I don’t think Castletown needs another food outlet and I don’t see where shoppers would park.

‘I don’t see the point when there is the Co-op and Shoprite.’

‘For me Castletown is perfect. Everything is right where I want it. It’s a lovely place.’

When asked whether she would be concerned about another premises selling alcohol in the town, she said: ‘I don’t think any more or less will cut down the problems that already exist here.’

TRAM services between Laxey and Ramsey have been suspended until further notice because of a fallen tree at Maughold.

Services to the Mountain and between Douglas and Laxey are unaffected and will continue to run as timetabled.

Call 662525 for bus and rail timetable enquiries.

A LORRY driver has been taken to Noble’s Hospital after his arm was crushed in the tail lift of his vehicle.

Fire crews were called to the accident in Victoria Road, Douglas, at 3.20pm today.

They released his arm using a hooligan tool and crow bar.

The driver was treated at the scene by paramedics for crush injuries, before being taken to hospital for further medical treatment.

A BILL to give rights to unmarried fathers has moved a step closer to becoming law after the Children and Young Persons (Amendment) Bill passed its third reading in Legislative Council on Tuesday.

The bill, which was put forward as a private member’s bill by Juan Turner MLC, would give equal parental responsibilities to fathers of children even when they are not married to the child’s mother.

Mr Turner explained that at present, married parents both have responsibility for their children and that continues even if they divorce.

But if parents choose not to marry, only the mother has responsibility, unless an agreement has been signed or a court order is made.

It means that they do not automatically get a say in decisions regarding their child’s education, welfare, upbringing or even consent to medical treatment.

If the legislation is brought in, like in parts of the UK, fathers would get automatic parental responsibility if they are named as the father on the child’s birth certificate.

Mr Turner said the bill was ‘long overdue’, and was supported by the Department of Social Care, Department of Education and Children, and the family court’s welfare officers.

He has previously said that he has no vested interest in the bill.

Mr Turner said that it would not solve all issues that arose from the breakdown of a relationship, and was entirely separate from issues like access and maintenance where parents were divorced or separated.

The bill was unanimously approved by LegCo.

Alex Downie MLC said that he supported the removal of an anomaly that ‘deprived fathers of the rights to make decisions about their child’.

He said that the bill would create a ‘much better system’ which was ‘more in keeping with the modern day’.

Phil Braidwood MLC said: ‘Every child should have the opportunity to have access to both parents.

‘This legislation will enshrine in law the father has the responsibility as well and the child will have the opportunity to meet and have access to his father.’

If approved, the legislation would be brought in by the Department of Social Care.

• Do you support Mr Turner’s proposals? Let us know what you think by emailing {mailto:opinions@newsiom.co.im|opinions(at)newsiom.co.im} or sign in to add your comment below.

The Isle of Man Woodland Trust is a local charity with a truly lovely aim – it concentrates on planting broadleaf woodland trees around the island, so that there’ll be plenty of mature stock for future generations to enjoy.

I’ve been involved for five or six years now, and I’ve never regretted a minute. It’s a great way to banish the winter blues!

Just now, whilst the hedgehogs and other creatures are getting ready to hibernate for the winter, we in the Woodland Trust are gearing up and getting excited about our new planting programme.

We’re already busy – we’ve been planting at Rowany Golf Course, and the magnificent Port St Mary bay. The latter was a great day out. On arrival, we were treated to the sight of 15 or so kayaks heading offshore. We did invite them to come and join us in a spot of digging instead, but they nonchalantly paddled away!

Luckily, the hardcore of Trust volunteers were ready and on hand to get going: Simon Maddrell with a stock of 150 or so magnificent trees to be planted up, and a team comprising longstanding members plus some enthusiastic new faces.

The weather was calm and kind, and we got lots done. All 150 trees were planted, a lovely mix of deciduous broadleafs including downy birch, rowan and willow.

I enjoyed getting stuck into a spot of ‘extreme digging’ (the planting area had some quite steep bits), but there was plenty of gentler activity for the less energetically-minded – anyone who wants can see the fruits of our labours by taking a gentle stroll along Port St Mary’s lovely promenade.

Keep going back to see how they’re progressing!

One of the nice things about spending a day planting an area is the opportunity to really notice and appreciate our landscape. On the way there, we took in Gansey bay and admired some lovely crops of valerian in full pink and white bloom – it’s a treat and well worth pausing for.

The Trust’s Viv Barnett, a well of information on these things, was able to inform me that valerian has a history of being used for medicinal purposes, including tisanes to promote relaxation and ward off insomnia.

But there was no need for sleep aids after our day’s energetic work – there are few better ways to induce a good night’s rest than fresh air and a spot of outdoor exercise.

It was made all the more enjoyable thanks to the friendly company and ample supplies of hot soup and homemade fruit cake.

But the true bonus is in knowing that we’ve done something that can be appreciated by people for years – generations – to come, as they perambulate the promenade. And, at the same time, helping our island’s environment by adding to its supply of woodland trees.

Anyone can join in – we welcome people of all ages, especially families, and you can get involved in lots of different ways.

We meet every other Sunday at different locations, so there’s something accessible for most people.

If you’re interested and would like to join up, or simply find out more, contact our director, Viv Barnett, on barnett@manx.net or 843726 for information, or look up the website at www.isleofmanwoodlandtrust.com

You can ask to go on our mailing list for future planting days.

We have a really exciting programme planned for coming years, and we’d love more people to come and share in the fun!

POLICE are investigating the theft of three high value mountain bikes from a property in Erin Lane, Port Erin.

The theft is believed to have taken place in the early hours of Friday (November 2), when the bikes were taken off the back of a camper van which was parked on the driveway of a property.

Details of the stolen bikes are as follows:

– Scott Genius 60 full suspension men’s mountain bike, white and silver in colour, medium size with distinctive white pedals and a ‘Lezyne’ front light fitted.

– Cube Analog hardtail men’s mountain bike, red and black in colour, size 18inch with distinctive white flashes on the tyres and the stub of a mudguard mount fitted to the seatpost. The remainder of the rear mudguard was broken in the process of the bike being stolen.

– Giant small adult mountain bike, silver in colour with V-brakes and ‘Cat-Eye’ lights fitted front and rear.

Due to the nature of this offence, more than one person is believed to have been responsible.

Anybody with any information should contact PC Will Biltcliffe at Port Erin Police Station on 832222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

SIX Scouts from the Onchan District Explorer Scout Unit have set off to Nepal to undertake their Explorer Belt Award.

The team will be required to hike in adventurous country and undertake 10-12 worthwhile projects, and then produce a log book and give a presentation to an invited audience about their experiences.

It is made up of Ryan Davis, Callum Faulds, Jack Kinrade, and Daniel Phair, all aged 16, and Nick Hawkes and Jake Rumney, both 17.

After spending a few days in Kathmandu and Chitwan Safari Reserve the Scouts will travel to Nepal’s second city, Pokhara, where they will do charity work at an orphanage, and present gifts to the children.

The team will then hike in the Annapurna Conservation Area to the remote village of Tangting, set in the foothills of the Himalayas. It will take almost seven hours.

At Tangting they will help a visiting medical team from the UK to check the health of all the children, and many adults.

Island commissioner for Explorer Scouts Mike Southall said fundraising has been an important and significant part of the team’s training for the last six months, adding: ‘They are well on the way to financing their trip to Nepal and realising the objective for their main project – the purchase of a special medical bed for use in Tangting’s new care centre.’

Many Gurkhas come from Tangting and the team hope to meet some retired Gurkhas and, hopefully, one or two currently serving in the regiment. Interviews with the soldiers will form part of the team’s presentation.

A few surprise projects will also be set for the team.

OPERATION Christmas Child has launched its 2012 campaign to collect gift-filled shoeboxes for under-privileged children around the world.

The international Shoebox Appeal is run by Samaritan’s Purse, and last year saw 3,046 brightly wrapped shoeboxes from the island sent to Liberia, West Africa.

Area co-ordinator Marlene Akitt said: ‘The aim is to bring a little joy into the lives of these children who would normally receive very little, if anything at all, at Christmas. Shoeboxes are given based on need and circumstance, regardless of background, race or religion.’

Marlene said: ‘It is recognised that charities tend to suffer when the economic climate is depressed and the demand for the limited funds available grows. I appreciate that all of us have needed to economise recently, however, I appeal to everyone to support this project in whatever way you can.’

Donations of small toys, games, stationery, hats, scarves and toiletries, to make up a shoebox, are also welcome.

A Special Shoebox Steam Train runs on Tuesday from Port Erin where Father Christmas and volunteers will collect boxes as it steams through stations.

It is hoped schools in the south of the island, that are close to the stations, will once again bring their boxes to their station for collection

The train will leave Port Erin station at 1pm, stopping at Port St Mary (1.05pm), Colby (1.20pm), Castletown (1.35pm) and Ballasalla (2.30pm) and Santon (3pm).

Shoebox collection points are located at St Paul’s Bookshop, Ramsey; Laxey Health Centre; the Village Walk Health Centre, Onchan; Mantons Toy Store and Southern Group Practice, Port Erin; the Western Swimming Pool, Peel; the Family Library and Shoe Zone, Douglas.

The deadline is November 18.

Information leaflets are also available at these points.

For more information call Marlene Akitt on 834956/336881 or email {mailto:marlene@akitt.com|marlene(at)akitt.com}.

{http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk|operationchristmaschild.org.uk}.

REGENT Street in Douglas is set to echo to the sounds of Christmas on Saturday, December 8 – and you’re being invited to get on stage and perform.

A community stage is being set up there and community groups, schools, youth organisations and brass bands are being invited to perform traditional Christmas music and carols.

Douglas town centre manager Gill Anderson said: ‘The stage was a big hit at this summer’s Festival of Youth and it’s making a welcome return on December 8, although on this occasion we’re looking for the traditional sounds of Christmas in music and song to create a suitably festive atmosphere for shoppers.

‘This is a one-day only event from around 10am to 5pm, so people need to get in touch as soon as possible to book their free slot.

‘The stage will be right in the heart of town so is quite literally the ideal platform on which to perform.’

To apply for a slot, contact Gill Anderson by email ganderson@douglas.org.im, phone 696304 or call into the Partnership’s office in Victoria Street, Douglas.

For all the latest news about events and happenings in Douglas check out ‘Douglas Town Centre Management’ on Facebook.

Honey bees being kept in the Isle of Man continue to enjoy good health.

That’s the indication taken from a surveillance programme which has been taking place over the past four years to monitor new diseases and pests, most notably Varroa.

Should the Varroa mite get into bees here, it is unlikely that it could be eradicated and would become a chronic cause of disease and reduced production.

At the request of Manx bee keepers, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has supported efforts to maintain the health of Manx hives by the use of statutory controls.

The department introduced new legislation in 2008 to help prevent the spread of disease into the Manx bee population, including a requirement for keepers to register and allow inspection and testing of hives.

Following a field trial in 2008 the department launched the Bee Health Surveillance Programme in September 2009.

Since that time, a significant number of hives have been inspected and tested.

Two testing rounds have now been successfully completed revealing no evidence of the presence of Varroa mite or European Foul Brood disease.

The data from this surveillance will be used to make an application to the European Union for official recognition of disease freedom.

Phil Gawne MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture said: ‘I’m delighted to have been able to work with the bee keepers on this at what is a particularly challenging time for bee health and I look forward to gaining official recognition of our high bee health status from the EU to help secure the health of Manx bees in to the future.

‘The 1989 Bees Act prohibits the importation of bees into the Isle of Man and our recently completed Surveillance Programme will assist us in rigorously enforcing this Act.’

l The Isle of Man Beekeepers’ convention and honey show will take place at St John’s Methodist Hall on Saturday, November 10.

There will be a display of first class honey from around the island along with confectionery and crafts all relating in some way to the honey bee.

Competition judge Peter Matthews, from Dumfries and Galloway, and his wife Christine, who is also a honey judge, will give a lecture entitled Honey and Healing.

PLANS for a three-storey extension at Ballakermeen High School, in Douglas, go on public display on Wednesday.

The £3.2m project involves extending the dining and post-16 facilities by building an extension on the hard surfaced area of the playground.

Department of Education and Children estates director Richard Collister said: ‘Dining provision, accommodation for post-16 students and accommodation for examinations are under severe pressure and these three issues are addressed in this project.

‘The dining hall currently caters for about 300 per sitting for a school population of over 1,500 students, 180 teachers and support staff.

‘The post-16 area was constructed some 12 years ago for 100 students and there are presently in excess of 300.’

A second servery and dining hall would be created on the ground floor.

The first and second floors provide an extension to the post-16 common room, study area, classroom and staff offices facilities.

Mr Collister said: ‘The spaces created are designed as flexible multi-use spaces.

‘Moveable walls are included on the two post-16 accommodation floors to give flexibility to teaching and study spaces and to allow areas to be used for examination purposes.

‘The dining hall on the ground floor can additionally be used for examination purposes or for community use.’

In addition, the playground area next to the extension would be remodelled to give a ‘more relaxed space’.

The bitmac surfaces will be replaced with block paving, broken up by patterning and some soft landscape planting.

Further staff parking will be provided by the demolition of the former funeral directors.

Head teacher Adrienne Burnett has written to neighbours of the school inviting them to see the plans at the school’s post 16 centre on Wednesday, from 5pm-7pm.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the proposals is also welcome.

Representatives from the DEC, the design team and the school will be attending to answer any questions.

Planning applications for the scheme, currently in its design stage, will be submitted following consideration of comments received.

The DEC hopes to take the project to Tynwald in July 2013, with a phased hand-over of the project which would see post-16, first and second floor levels operational for September 2014, with the ground floor dining/kitchen opening after the October half term.

ONE of the Isle of Man’s leading names in banking, Geoff Gelling, has joined Future Finance to spearhead the company’s growing Isle of Man business.

Future Finance, being an innovator of finance solutions, has recently gained 800 local customers following the purchase of the CitiFinancial Isle of Man Loan book.

Offering fast, locally based, decision-making for private and corporate clients Future Finance provides competitive mortgages, loans and factoring services.

Having started his career in 1978 with Isle of Man Bank, Geoff has built up a wealth of banking experience.

He has spent the last 18 years in management roles, most recently as a senior relationship manager and vice president with Barclays.

Prior to joining Barclays in 2010 Geoff was director of retail banking with RBS International and managing director of Isle of Man Bank.

Denny Lane, director, Future Finance, said: ‘We are delighted to have secured the services of one of the island’s most respected names within the finance industry.

‘Geoff’s CV speaks for itself and his reputation is second to none. Geoff is relishing the new challenge, and I’m sure he will prove to be an exceptional asset to Future Finance in the years ahead.’

Geoff Gelling sasid: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining such an innovative business,

‘It’s a fantastic opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to working with the chairman and directors to grow the business on the Isle of Man.

‘I will be looking to replicate the success of the business in the Channel Islands and to build further on the superb service we already offer our clients.’

Future Finance is a privately funded lender in the Isle of Man giving a unique standpoint in the financial market.

With no allegiance to particular banks they are able to offer unbiased deals for clients with a local edge.

MOTORISTS who have amassed large numbers of unpaid fixed penalty notices are being warned that their vehicles will be removed.

Vehicles seized will be removed to a secure compound until the removal costs and fines imposed have been cleared. Vehicles not collected will be destroyed or sold.

Vote on this issue using our web poll panel at the right of this story.

Minister for Infrastructure David Cretney MHK, said the move will only hit a small number of regular offenders and that it was unfair that these had so far escaped payment when the vast majority of motorists park considerately or pay their fines for an occasional offence.

He said: ‘The power to seize vehicles has existed for many years and given the small number of frequent offenders who appear to have no regard for the parking rules whatsoever, now is a good time to address the matter. Individuals who commit the occasional offence and pay their fines should not be concerned as this policy is only applicable to persistent offenders who do not pay their fines.’

The Department of Infrastructure does not receive the income from fines collected.

In another move, drivers who illegally use designated parking spaces for the disabled have been warned they could face a £120 fine.

The penalty for parking in a designated disabled space was increased at the beginning of August, along with increases across the range of fixed penalty offences.  Previously the fine for parking in a disabled space was £40 and the large increase has been designed to act as a deterrent for those abusing the system. Over 200 fixed penalties were issued for this offence last year alone.

Meanwhile, Department of Infrastructure and the Roads Policing Unit are launching a Fit for the Road’ campaign.

With winter approaching, drivers must check all their cars lights are working and that they use them when appropriate. Roadside checks on vehicle lights and tyres will be carried out during the next few weeks.

What do you think? Email {mailto:opinions@newsiom.co.im|opinions(at)newsiom.co.im} or sign in to add your comment below. You can also add your vote to our web poll using the panel at the right of this story.

Monday, November 5

Aries (March 21 - April 20)

A charming and light-hearted attitude at the beginning of this week gets you attention. Who doesn’t like to be cheered up on a Monday morning? With emotions running high all around you, however, someone may read more into your flirting than you would want! It would be easy to go along with decisions made by others midweek just for a quiet life, but you have strong opinions.

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)

Spreading a bit of flattery around this week gets you a long way. It enables you to get information that is not yet general knowledge. Encouraging someone new into your circle of friends because of their influence seems contrived. However, it is likely that they will soon become a dear friend. In a time full of surprises, be prepared to be flexible and imaginative.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)

Be determined and strong in a week when your patience is tested. Why do others constantly seem to miss the point? But if things are not running smoothly in one area, they will in another. Romance takes centre stage when you respond to a flirtation. Unsure of your next move? Let someone else make it. Love and support from home gives you a balanced attitude.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23)

A surge of confidence is very good news for your career. It doesn’t do any harm to your love life, either! Flirting with someone at work brings you information but are you able to guarantee that a secret will be kept? If not, then don’t share it. A moody weekend could put someone off if you overplay your hand. Best, perhaps, to keep your cards close to your chest?

Leo (July 24 - August 23)

What are you able to change about your work that will bring faster progress? Could signing up for a course show seriousness? With the chance of extra responsibilities looming, the time to do something is here. Busy at home? Involve a family member and see just how much fun it can be. Of course, it may take a little longer to get things done, but why not enjoy it?

Virgo (August 24 - September 23)

Snippets of information intrigue you. As you delve deeper, however, many new questions arise. Why did someone do what they did? When did thought turn into action? How did they think that it would affect you? Just come out and ask. If life seems like a puzzle this week, it is! Good news at the weekend, however, makes some sense of it all. Glad that you accepted the challenge?

Libra (September 24 - October 23)

Determination with a smattering of imagination sees you running circles around rivals. Refusing to compromise or accept second best, you have others running scared. Taking charge also sees finances improve and shows promise for the future. Well, it’s about time that happened, isn’t it? A chance remark could leave you in hot water with a loved one, so take care.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

Plans shift into high gear, especially midweek. Make your words count by thinking before you speak. Any arrangements that you accept now could go on for some years. Someone who cannot be persuaded to drop an action could perhaps be persuaded to delay it. This gives breathing space. Don’t give anything the green light if you are seeing red!

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)

A busy week ahead could see you trying to do too much. As long as energy is high, that is fine. Even so, take a break and relax if you start to feel nervy. Practical issues are easily dealt with but for more complicated tasks it is a good idea to ask an expert. At loggerheads with a loved one? Take charge and show confidence. At the weekend you are in the right place at the right time.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)

Trying to do too much at once? Splitting your attention at work could see you getting confused. Look for the simplest way forward and take a practical approach. As much as you want to progress a new friendship, there are doubts. Why is that? If there are questions to be answered, ask them! Looking back will get you nowhere. Go ahead at a steady pace.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)

You have taken charge and now feel more confident. Avoid being brash, however, as someone who you admire is watching. Communications can be vague and misunderstandings could occur. Put things in writing if they are important. Someone who you meet this week has influence and is able to help you. Just be subtle when you suggest that they do it!

Pisces (February 20 - March 20)

Prepare yourself this week for plenty of action in the weeks ahead. When working with others, be persuasive rather than bossy. In a creative week you may start a long project. It will be very satisfying if you take it seriously. There are talents which you are not using at the moment. Plan to have a long hard look at these at the weekend. Set a plan to use and build on these.

THE Isle of Man Road Safety partnership will be visiting primary schools around the island this week to advise motorists about the correct use of child seats and safety restraints.

The initiative will begin today (Monday) and conclude on Thursday at start and end of the school day.

Members of the partnership will be outside schools during these times to make sure safe practices are adhered to.

A spokesperson said: ‘There are som occasions when drivers are taking children to school without suitable seat belts or restraint systems. Our aim is to educate drivers and the children in respect of the legislation to keep all road users as safe as possible.’

PC Mike Crompton of the road policing unit said: ‘We are committed to the safety of all road users but especially those most vulnerable. The safety of our children should be the most important thing for us all and we would urge everyone doing the school run to ensure that all the children are travelling in the correct child restraint.

‘Sometimes when we buy a high value item such as a china tea set or a new TV we carefully pack it on the back seat of our car and drive home slowly. However do we always take the same care when carrying our children in a car? A broken tea set can be replaced, a child cannot.

‘If you are unsure that you have fitted your child seat correctly please contact the Road Safety Team on 686671 for advice.’

Leaflets will be handed out during the visits but they can also be viewed or downloaded by clicking on the following link

{http://www.gov.im/transport/highways/roadsafety/campaigns/CarSafety.xml|http://www.gov.im/transport/highways/roadsafety/campaigns/CarSafety.xml}

THE Isle of Man’s burgeoning space-sector has attracted the attention of the BBC, who sent a crew from regional current affairs programme Inside Out over to film a piece to be aired on BBC One at 7.30pm this evening (Monday).

Presenter Jacey Normand, from Inside Out’s North West team, made the trip over the Irish Sea.

‘From our point of view, it’s an incredible story, and right on our doorstep,’ she said. ‘The island is very proud of its space industry, and it should be.’

Jacey added: ‘The Isle of Man is currently the European leader for space, and is seen as being the fourth most likely nation to launch an expedition to the moon after the US, China and Russia.

‘The story has been around for a while. We wanted to get over, and we wanted to explore it properly.’

The crew were shown around the hangar at Jurby Airfield, which houses commercial space exploration company Excalibur Almaz’s fleet of spacecraft.

The company made headlines earlier in the year with the announcement it would be the first organisation ready to take passengers on private lunar expeditions – as early as 2015 – for the princely sum of £100 million.

‘When you meet them you realise it’s not just a hangar of old Russian spacecraft – I was sat in something that had actually been to the moon,’ said Jacey.

‘They’re convinced that their space tourist is out there. If they are, that person will be remembered like Christopher Colombus.’

The Inside Out crew were equally impressed by the success of Onchan-based company CVI Melles Griot, which built specialist optics for NASA’s Curiosity Rover which landed on Mars in August.

‘It’s the furthest a Manx-made product has ever travelled, and shows the island is at the forefront of this kind of production,’ said Jacey.

The programme will also feature the International Institute of Space Commerce, housed at the Nunnery, and plans to establish island-based masters degree courses that will produce the ‘space cadets of tomorrow’.

ONE year on from the launch of Heywood House, the multi-million pound state-of-the-art datacentre facility in Douglas, leading network and hosting solutions provider Wi-Manx has restructured its board of directors, with a firm focus on significant expansion in the UK and Europe.

Current chief technology officer (CTO) Joe Hughes has been promoted to managing director and is joined on the Board by brothers Charlie and Henry Whipp.

With ambitious growth targets and a clear strategy, the new appointments are intended to strengthen the company’s leadership as it looks to build on its range of innovative services.

Joe, 31, has been with Wi-Manx since its formation in 2004 and his experience and knowledge of the industry means he is well placed to lead the company as it approaches its next stage of development.

‘Wi-Manx is the only 100 per cent Manx-owned ISP and Datacentre services provider in the island, and the Isle of Man remains the foundation from which our business operates’, said Joe.

‘Over the past 18 months we have made a significant investment in our hosting and network infrastructure.

‘This investment – and our innovative approach to technology – has enabled us to develop a range of products and services that should help position us as leaders in the marketplace, both in terms of price and service.’

Henry and Charlie are directors of Wi-Manx and the Barony Group.

Henry is a chartered surveyor who trained and started his career in London, before working in New Zealand, returning to the island in 2011.

Charlie is an Isle of Man advocate and worked for the well-known legal firm Cains at both their London and Isle of Man offices for six years, before taking up his new role in the Barony Group.

Henry said: ‘Joe has all the enthusiasm, technical insight and practical knowledge about our industry to lead Wi-Manx during this exciting phase of its development.

‘We’re certain the company will continue to flourish with him at the helm.’

Charlie added: ‘Henry and I are genuinely excited to be part of the new Board of Directors and are really looking forward to being involved with the company’s future plans, which are ambitious but certainly achievable. We have the right products, a genuinely talented team and a highly attractive pricing structure.’

‘The fact that both Henry and Charlie are experienced in other fields is a major benefit to us,’ said Joe.

‘They bring a lot of drive and experience to the table, and their different way of thinking further strengthens our strategic approach to developing our business.

‘We’re all looking forward to rolling out our plans over the coming months and bringing significant new business to the Island.’

THE public consultation on the outline design for the Douglas Promenades refurbishment project is due to close this Friday (November 9).

A planning application has already been submitted for the first phase of the Douglas promenades improvement project.

This £1.5 million first phase covers the section of Loch Promenade from the Sea Terminal to Regent Street and include improvements to the landward side of the carriageway up to but not including the existing horse tram tracks.

Designs for future phases of the Promenades project are currently being developed.

Outline plans can be viewed at the Department of Infrastructure’s Murray House Planning reception, the Sea Terminal concourse and on the department’s website.

They cover the sections from the Sea Terminal to Regent Street and Regent Street to Tower House. The plans include in the proposals to move the horse tram tracks, creating a new single track corridor to the seaward side of the roadway.

Minister for Infrastructure David Cretney MHK said his department would welcome written comments and suggestions regarding the outline designs. Alternatively, a questionnaire is available from the Sea Terminal or on the department’s website via surveymonkey.com/s/YourPromenade-YourSay

Meanwhile, the first phases of the Douglas regeneration project have been completed on time and within budget.

Following refurbishment of Upper Nelson Street, the Prospect Hill/Ridgeway Street junction, Lower Nelson Street and Wellington Street, designs are being prepared for the main retail area of Duke Street and Strand Street with work expected to begin in March 2013.

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BUS drivers could make a claim for unfair dismissal.

In the latest twist to the bus drivers’ dispute, it emerged that Unite union members could take a case for unfair dismissal to the employment tribunal - despite accepting the new terms and conditions.

The island’s 100 bus drivers were issued with notices of termination of their existing contracts on October 13.

Since then, according to the union, about a third have agreed to new terms and conditions which include an end to paid lunch breaks.

The Department of Community Culture and Leisure has confirmed the drivers were offered three options - agree to the new terms; accept the new terms while reserving their position; or decline the new terms and conditions and leave the employment of Bus Vannin.

Bus drivers’ representative Billy Chestnut claimed the majority of his colleagues who had signed up to the new contract had done so under the second option, under which technically they have been dismissed and so could lodge a claim for unfair dismissal.

He told the Examiner: ‘The media have been fed propaganda by the department. What they won’t tell you is that the vast majority of drivers have signed under option 2. They had a gun at their head. The department want to divide and conquer - they want to pick us off one by one.’

Mr Chestnut said that between 20 and 25 claims for unfair dismissal had been lodged with Unite. ‘We will be pursuing each on a case by case basis,’ he said.

He said drivers had been offered an immediate appeal - but added: ‘Who is going to hear the appeal? The guy that sacked you.’

The DCCL said it could not comment on whether drivers had lodged complaints with the union but it confirmed that the drivers had the right to make a claim for unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal in accordance with the 2006 Employment Act.

Chief executive Nick Black said: ‘We can confirm that drivers were given three options in connection with the termination and re-engagement process.

‘The first option was to agree to the variation of contract. The second option was to accept the new terms and conditions whilst reserving their position. The third choice was to decline the new terms and conditions and leave DCCL employment.

‘The department made it clear that those drivers choosing not to respond would be considered to have chosen option 2. It was not for the department to judge that any employee would wish to either agree the new terms or choose to leave employment.’

Unite says it will ballot members for strike action.