THE Sir Paul Smith Isle of Man 2012 London Olympic stamps were launched on the first minute of January at the Regent Street post office in Douglas.

The post office opened its doors on New Year’s Eve to launch the prestigious stamp issue, which is inspired by the London 2012 Games and designed by Sir Paul Smith, the iconic British fashion designer and friend of Manx cycling superstar and Tour de France green jersey winner Mark Cavendish.

Isle of Man Stamps and Coins – a division of the Isle of Man Post Office – secured Sir Paul’s agreement to design the London 2012 collection and the stamps should provide a lasting memory of the Games remains in the mind long after the last medal has been awarded.

Dot Tilbury, general manager of the Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, welcomed all the guests to the launch, which included British National Archery champion Aalin George and her sister Kirsten, Olympian Marie Morgan, cyclist Tom Black, Stewart Bennett (cycling training partner for paralympian Ian Sharpe) and Red Cross chairman Peter O’Shea, who will be on first aid duty at the Games, together with his daughter Sadhbh, who is a volunteer at the Olympic cycling road races.

An enthusiastic crowd turned up at the launch of the stamps and the staff were kept busy until 1am.

According to Sir Paul, he wanted to make the collection positive and colourful and with a strong graphic style of design, something he has certainly achieved with this iconic collection.

A lifelong follower of the world cycling, Sir Paul said he was honoured to be asked to design the London 2012 stamp issue.

He was also inspired in one of his designs by good friend and Olympic Cyclist Mark Cavendish.

Given that ‘Cav’ gives the Isle of Man such a strong link to the Olympics, there is, appropriately enough, a cycling road bike design on the miniature sheet that has been issued as part of the stamps launch.

FOUR months after road accident victim Chris Walmsley had stem cell therapy, the family believe it has made a ‘positive difference’.

Chris, aged 32, of the Abbotswood Nursing Home, Ballasalla, was left quadriplegic after being hit by a car on Richmond Hill in 2006.

In August, after £27,000 was raised in three months, Chris underwent the pioneering treatment at a clinic in Germany.

His mum Carol, of Maine Road, Port Erin, said: ‘All in all we think the stem cell therapy has made a positive difference. Chris has a different air about him – more aware and with it – and we can never ever, ever thank the Manx public enough for their generosity, love and support.

‘It seems hard to believe that the accident was five years ago now, and it’s just wonderful to think how far we’ve come – from being told there was no hope of him surviving to where he is now.’

The study has been converted into a bedroom and fitted with a hospital-type bed for Chris. While the house isn’t suitable for him to live at home, he spends every weekend there.

And he was able to spend five nights at home over Christmas and three nights over New Year, which Carol said was ‘fabulous’.

She said his responses were a lot quicker and since receiving the treatment his thumbs are no longer jammed between his fingers but held naturally.

Chris’s right arm still goes into spasm and is held tight against his chest, but Carol said it relaxes a lot more than it used to.

He is being assessed for physiotherapy this week, and it is hoped he will soon start a weekly session. The family are also looking for a neurologically trained speech and language therapist.

It is also hoped he will start going swimming.

Carol said: ‘I think hydrotherapy will be a fantastic thing for him. We never thought we’d see that happen five years ago.’

AN electrical store owned by a UK retail giant could open in Spring Valley Industrial Estate, Douglas.

In a planning application, a company acting as agents for Dixons Retail plc and the site’s owner, Isle of Man Development Company, said the retailer had agreed to lease one of the units for a Currys store which it is expected will include a PC World section.

Next Plc already has an application pending for a homeware store – Next Home – at the unit, which is next to Pets at Home.

Isle of Man Development Company Ltd and Dixons Retail plc have applied (11/01726/B) to the government planning committee to build an internal mezzanine floor in the unit.

In the application, Morbaine Ltd, on behalf of the two companies, explained: ‘Dixons Retail plc have agreed to lease unit one for one of their Currys/PC World outlets.

‘The outlet will require the provision of a mezzanine floor of 634 square metre gross internal area.’

If approved, the work would increase the retail floorspace at the unit to 1,134 sq/m and there would be an extra 540 sq/m for storage.

In November, we reported that a Next Home could open at the unit.

It came after Roger Tym & Partners, acting on behalf of Next plc, applied (11/01594/LAW) for a certificate of lawful use or development to confirm the type of goods it could sell from the site.

In the application, which is yet to be determined by government planners, it stated that Next Plc was a ‘potential purchaser’ of the site.

The Isle of Man Development Company was granted approval in principle on appeal last year to demolish unit six on the estate, and build two retail units.

The other unit was opened by Pets at Home last month.

The application was approved with the condition that the combined retail floorspace of both units was 1,672 square metres.

The Isle of Man Development Company and Dixons Retail plc have also applied to increase the combined total retail floorspace by 94 square metres to 1,766 square metres.

Currys’ range includes TVs, washing machines, cookers, fridge freezers and laptops. PC World sells laptops, desktop PCs, iPads and accessories.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK said: ‘It is always encouraging that international firms consider the Isle of Man to be a place worthy of investment.

‘However, we continue to look with the planners at the issue of out of town retail because the government’s priority is to ensure a vibrant and successful town centre retail experience.’

Speaking about the opening of Dealz last month, he said: ‘It’s great news to see the former Woolworths sit being so heavily used by the public during the Christmas period.

‘This shows both the demand and the benefit to our community of having our shops busy in the main shopping street.

‘In Economic Development, we are very aware that the balance has to be struck between maintaining and supporting existing local businesses whilst supporting new brands coming to our island which give the public a wider choice.’ If PC World and Currys do come to the island, they will pile the pressure on home-grown companies that don’t have the economies of scale that a large group has.

A ‘HIGHLY complex’ air accident investigation into the Cork airport crash is continuing.

Six people were killed and six others injured when Manx2 Belfast to Cork commuter flight NM7100 crashed as it attempted to land in thick fog on February 10 last year.

An interim report by the Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit was published the following month.

It said that no mechanical failures had so far been identified with the Metroliner III aircraft and the instrument landing system was working normally on the morning of the crash.

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February 11, 2011 {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/manx2_air_crash_six_dead_named_1_3069001|Manx2 air crash: six dead named|related article}

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The AAIU’s continuing investigation is looking at the flying experience of Spanish pilot Jordi Lopez, aged 31, and his English co-pilot Andrew Cantle, aged 27, who was at the controls.

Both crew members were killed as were four of the passengers. Those who survived owe their lives to the quick response of the emergency services.

The AAIU is also examining as part of its continuing investigation flight crew training and the relationship between Manx2 as ticket seller, the operator Barcelona-based airline Flightline BCN, and a second Spanish company, Air Lada, based in Seville, that supplied the aircraft and crew.

A full accident investigation report would normally be expected to be published within 12 months of the original incident, but it may be that a second interim report could be published into the Cork airport tragedy, followed by a final report in due course.

A spokesman for the AAIU said: ‘In general the AAIU seeks to make public the results of investigations, if possible, within 12 months of the accident.

‘This particular investigation is highly complex in both operational and technical issues and involves many jurisdictions and aviation authorities. The AAIU is being assisted by nominated accredited representatives and advisors from various states and you will understand that in adhering to the international procedures and obligations the investigative process is very time consuming. At this time, the Investigation is ongoing and no date has been set for publication of the final report.’

THERE is further disruption to Steam Packet sailings today due to the strong winds.

Yesterday evening’s sailing from Douglas to Heysham and the overnight return were both cancelled.

Now the Steam Packet is saying this morning’s 8.45am Ben-my-Chree sailing is delayed until 10am due to the weather, although the departure is dependent on the master’s decision at about 9.30am.

Check in is no later than 9am.

The 2.15pm return from Heysham is expected to depart at 3.15pm with check in at the normal times.

Police have thanked the public for their help after this morning locating a 14-year-old girl who has been missing since Tuesday night.

An appeal for help went out on iomtoday last night after Arianna Skillen, who is from the Ramsey area, was reported missing.

She was last seen in Douglas at approximately 11.50pm on Tuesday.

However, this morning, police confirmed she had been found safe.

THE Steam Packet has announced it is putting on an extra sailing this weekend to help clear the backlog caused by this week’s weather disruption.

An additional Heysham service has been added to the weekend schedule following the cancelling of three return sailings this week.

The Ben-my-Chree will cover an additional 8pm passenger and freight service on Saturday from Douglas, along with a return 2.15am Sunday sailing to the island.

Commercial Director John Watt explained: ‘The Ben-my-Chree was scheduled for general maintenance overnight on Saturday/Sunday, but this has been rescheduled to allow us to provide the additional return sailing.

‘Wind direction as well as strength has been an issue this week, even with the repaired and refitted second bow thrust unit. We may have caught up on freight before the weekend, but this extra service for passengers and freight customers will provide more choice and additional cover.’

THE Manx Independent is in shops this afternoon.

In today’s Indy we talk to Treasury Minister Eddie Teare as he reveals there will be changes to how this year’s Budget will be presented.

The police has a new recruit – just five weeks old and with an adorable expression – as a puppy joins the force. We have pictures of the new canine cadet.

The Steam Packet announces an extra sailing this weekend – we explain why.

Plus, read about the Laxey BMX rider who is bidding to make it to the big time.

What Where When has advice on how to deal with any debts built up over the festive period and there’s also a special report looking at mental illness.

South News reports on a householder’s plea after vandals trash an ornament.

West News has a further reporter on the Peel dip.

And find out why Connor Cummins got his feet wet in this week’s North News

Plus sport has a report and pictures the St John’s fell race and takes a special look at how the TT’s message is being spread Manga style.

The Manx Independent is in shops from this afternoon.

JURBY Transport Museum celebrated the New Year by taking to the road.

On Sunday, heritage transport enthusiasts out and about in the north of the island were treated to sightings of several of the museum’s exhibits.

John Davis said: ‘Three wagons and two buses from the museum were joined by a Scammell recovery truck and a steam car for a journey round the north of the island.

‘After a brief stop at the Point of Ayre, the convoy drove to Ramsey and parked on the Mooragh Promenade where they were briefly joined by one of Bus Vannin’s vintage double decker buses and a very smart Opel Manta. The wagons and the steam car returned to Jurby via Andreas whilst the buses returned to their respective destinations.’

Jurby Transport Museum, is operated by the Manx Transport Trust and is located at Jurby Industrial Estate. It is open on Sundays throughout the winter from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

A UNION boss has welcomed plans to use prisoners on outdoor working parties.

The plans were unveiled in Tynwald by Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK who revealed his officers were meeting with counterparts in the Department of Infrastructure to consider giving low-risk inmates work to do on projects in the community such as repairing countryside paths and upland tracks.

Steve Salter, regional industrial organiser for the Unite union, said the DoI has contacted him just before Christmas to seek the union’s views on the plans.

He said: ‘We don’t have a problem with it as some of the paths need sorting out and boredom must be a killer up at Jurby prison.

‘Learning new skills is obviously going to help some of these people get into a work ethic and will help with their rehabilitation when they do get out of prison. I personally believe people should be given a second chance and this is one way they could do a bit to put something back into the community.

‘Our union is fully supportive of any scheme that improves the chances of people gaining employment and, as long as the scheme isn’t abused or used to reduce staffing levels within the DoI because these people are viewed as a cheaper alternative to the full-time workforce, then we would be behind it.’

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{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/on_the_chain_gang_1_3976309|>> On the chain gang?|related article}

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But Mr Salter said there would be a concern if DoI staff had to take on sole responsibility for supervising the inmates while on work programmes.

He said: ‘The only concern we have over the proposal is perhaps the extra pressure/workload that could be placed upon DoI supervisors.

‘They already supervise groups of staff carrying out the clearing of paths etc and to take on the sole responsibility for supervising prisoners could be asking a bit too much.

‘If the prisoners were to be supervised by staff from the prison or other areas of the DHA with the proper risk assessments all being in place then there shouldn’t be a problem.

‘We are meant to be talking about low-risk prisoners who just want to do what is left of their time to serve and get on and rebuild their lives. Yes, they should be given a second chance and as part of this if they get a decent reference based upon their work commitment at the end of the work scheme this will all help for the future.’

He added: ‘A lot needs to be done before this can happen and both departments need to consult with staff. Some supervisors may feel uncomfortable to take on this extra role and if that is the case their wishes should be accepted and nobody should feel pressurised into doing it.

‘If done properly the proposals could benefit everyone – including the inmates from Jurby prison.

‘Getting people out of a cycle of crime and into employment is of paramount importance especially given the economic climate. There are huge costs involved for looking after people in prison and that money would be better spent in a more productive proactive way like keeping our countryside paths clear and our upland tracks in good condition.’

A TEAM of engineers from the Manx Electricity Authority has headed to Scotland to help restore power to thousands of homes hit by severe weather.

The MEA team, made up of overhead line crew Juan Crawley, Paul Lockwood, Ryan Rhodes, Lee Cain and Gary Kelly, are working alongside Scottish Power engineers and will return to the island once supplies have been restored.

They had been due to sail on Wednesday night but with the ferry cancelled due to continuing bad weather in the Irish Sea, their departure had to be postponed until yesterday morning (Thursday).

Some 55,000 homes in Scotland were left without power after falling trees and other debris damaged power lines as severe winds gusting up to 100 mph battered the country on Tuesday. By Thursday morning, 12,000 homes were still without electricity.

Central Scotland and Fife were worst hit but serious faults have been reported across the entire country, including in Dumfries, the Borders and Lanarkshire.

The call to assist Scottish Power was received from NEWSAC (North East West South Area Consortium), made up of utilities from across the British Isles which work together in times of need.

MEA chairman Eddie Lowey MLC said: ‘It is pleasing to see MEA playing its part in fostering good relations with the adjacent isles, on behalf of the Isle of Man, with this reciprocal agreement. We have ourselves been assisted in the past during the severe storms of 2005 when many Manx customers were without supply.’

A CHARITY is looking for swimmers who can really go the distance.

The Western Swimming Pool has set down a challenge to swim the equivalent length of the TT course to raise much-needed funds for St John Ambulance Isle of Man’s community first responders.

The challenge is launched on January 16 and participants have 12 weeks to swim 37.75 miles – that’s 2,416 lengths of the pool in Derby Road, Peel.

The £10 entry fee will go to the Community First Responders, highly trained first aiders who are despatched by the Isle of Man Ambulance and Paramedic Service to go to the aid of people who take ill in rural areas, often arriving before an emergency crew and tending to the patient until help arrives.

Swimmers can undertake the challenge alone or in teams and can, if they wish, raise funds for their own preferred charities as well.

The TT Swim Challenge is the idea of Krysy Howard, who is a lifeguard at the pool and trained to be a Community First Responder following the most recent recruitment drive, held in November and December.

Krysy said: ‘If you sign up to the challenge, it’s quite a commitment as you’ll need to complete around 200 lengths of the pool each week.

‘Everyone will receive a booklet to record their miles in and we will also have a sheet at the pool which will be stamped with participants’ progress.

‘It’s just £2.50 per session to swim if you are doing the challenge instead of the usual £3.50 and everyone who completes it will receive a medal and a certificate.’

To register or find out more information, contact the pool on 842525.

For further information about St John Ambulance Isle of Man or to find out how to sign up for first aid courses, volunteer or support its work via donations, please ring 01624 674387 or visit {http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/counties/isle-of-man.aspx|www.sja.org.uk/sja/counties/isle-of-man.aspx}

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Do you have an event you want people to take part in or a charity you are seeking public support for? If so, we want to hear from you. Email {mailto:newsdesk@newsiom.co.im|newsdesk(at)newsiom.co.im} or call the newsroom on 695697. Alternatively, you can write to the newsroom at the Manx Independent, Publishing House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5PZ.

THE site of the former Mannin Hotel, in Douglas, can be home to a 50-bedroom three star-plus hotel.

Mannin Investments Ltd has been granted approval (11/01359/B) by government planners for the demolition of the Broadway building.

Plans include retaining the front facade and building a new hotel, with integral parking.

Approval was granted with the condition that before work starts, a system for controlling traffic entering and exiting the basement car park is approved by government planners.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK and councillor David Ashford, chairman of Douglas Council’s public works committee, both welcomed the application.

At the time Mannin Investments Ltd submitted its application, the chief minister said: ‘At this time of economic uncertainty it is encouraging to see the emergence of development proposals that demonstrate continuing confidence in the Isle of Man,’ he said.

‘Such proposals offer the prospect of fresh facilities for residents and visitors, as well as being welcome indicators of entrepreneurial interest in our community.’

LAST year was the first year without any snow being recorded at the Met Office’s base at Ronaldsway since 1992.

It follows two years with significant snowfall in 2009 and 2010.

The latest figures from the Met Office show 2011 was the third warmest year on record with an average temperature of 10.76C, only behind 2007 (10.98C) and 2006 (10.93C).

A Met Office spokesman said: ‘Unfortunately this was not due to the summer months which were all cooler than normal.’

The hottest day was June 3, when the mercury soared to 22.7C. The coldest day was minus 2.9C on January 7. There were eight days with air frosts and 39 days with ground frost.

There was a total of 1,662 hours of bright sunshine during the year compared with the long term average of 1,578 hours. January, March, April and July were particularly sunny. The sunniest day was July 3 with 15.9 hours, a July record.

Rainfall at Ronaldsway totalled 794mm, about 8 per cent below normal. February, May and June were wet months with January, March, April, September and November being significantly drier than normal.

The wettest day of the year was June 17, with 48.6mm rainfall at the airport.

May and September through to the end of the year were all windy months, bringing the average wind speed for the year up to 14.7mph.

It means 2011 was the seventh windiest year on record, although there were only an average number of days with gales.

There were seven days with hail and two with thunderstorms, both half of the long term average, and there were two days with sleet, both in December.

There were 28 days of fog at Ronaldsway.

Last month was the windiest December on record at Ronaldsway.

A Met Office spokesman said rather than being due to a high number of gales – there were five days with gales compared to a long term average of three – it was due to almost consistent strong winds.

The average wind speed was 22mph, beating the previous December record of 21.4mph in 1974.

There were 26 days last month when the wind speed reached force six or more, equalling the record once again set in 1974. The strongest winds were recorded on December 13, with a gust of 68mph at the airport.

Both the daytime maximum and overnight minimum temperatures were 1C above the long term average giving a mean temperature of 7.7C for the month. The highest temperature of 12.6C was recorded on both December 8 and 25, the warmest Christmas Day on record.

There was a brief cold spell around the middle of the month when a minimum air temperature of 1.4C was recorded, cold enough for sleet at low levels and some snow on the hills.

Despite there being only four completely dry days the total rainfall measured 87.5mm, slightly below the December mean of 91.8mm. There was only 34.1 hours of bright sunshine recorded during the month, 27 per cent below the long term average, and even the sunniest day, December 7, recorded fewer than five hours. There were three days with hail, and no fog or thunderstorms at Ronaldsway.

Met Office records date back to 1947.

THERE may be something in the water in Laxey – beneficial to two-wheeled sportsmen.

Having already produced a certain Mark Cavendish, the village is also home to promising young BMX rider Colin Clague.

The 16-year-old Ramsey Grammar School student had a great season competing around the UK in the National Series, and has qualified for the World Championships in Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena in May, an event which will feature the world’s top professionals vying to secure qualification to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

His placing in the National Series marks an impressive improvement – he finished third (up from eighth in 2010) in the cruiser class, and seventh (up from 32nd in 2010) in the 20-inch class.

He was inspired to try the sport just two and a half years ago after watching a race.

Within four months of starting he had qualified for the British Championships in Somerset, finishing 27th out of 60 in his debut event.

The better he gets, however, the more expensive the season becomes – each trip includes the cost of taking a car with a bike rack on the ferry, race entry fees, plus the general expenses of bikes, kit, repairs and replacement parts.

Colin is able to build and repair bikes himself, and has work experience at Eurocycles in Douglas.

Colin, along with his parents Iain and Marianne, are appealing for sponsors to assist the family with the cost of the World Championships and his 2012 season.

They have applied for a grant from the Isle of Man Cycling Association and Sports Aid, though they have not been successful. Marianne gains the impression most cycling funds in the island are directed toward road cycling ahead of mountain biking and BMX.

On the Manx scene, Colin, who is one of a number of Manx BMX riders who travel to compete in the UK and Ireland, says: ‘It’s good here, but there’s a lot more going on away. In Somerset they showed me how to ride properly!

‘I’ve quit park riding now – I need to jump but stay low. In a race I would hit six feet but others would only jump two feet so I was losing ground.’

Training is difficult as he says the Ramsey track is too small, although he reckons the track in Douglas could be good if it was smoothed out a bit.

He will finish his GCSEs this year and is contemplating a move to Manchester to study at the British Cycling Centre and become a BMX coach.

Being based in the UK would be a big help for his racing.

For now being part of the British team is not an option as, although he has beaten guys who are in that squad, he could not train with them in the UK every weekend.

Longer term, once his competition days are over, Colin says he would like to return to the island and open a bike shop.

The family would like to thank BMX Isle of Man chairman Dave Black and the rest of the club for their support so far.

Anyone able to offer Colin further support can contact the family at {mailto:mclague2@manx.net|mclague2(at)manx.net}.

DO you have what it takes to be a pub football champ?

The hunt is on for five-a-side teams to take part in a massive competition with the ultimate goal being tickets to see England play in Euro 2012.

But, bad luck ladies, the competition is for men only.

Heron and Brearley is hoping to enter up to 64 teams in the Carlsberg Pub Cup tournament.

The local brewery is planning to stage an island-wide knockout challenge and then take the winning team to compete in the regional finals of the British Isles-wide tournament.

The competition kicks off on Monday on the all-weather pitch at King William’s College, Castletown, where the matches will be played every Monday from 6pm to 9pm, before the final on Saturday, March 31.

The island winners will receive free travel and accommodation for the regional finals before the grand final is staged in Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on May 19.

The overall winning team will receive flights and accommodation courtesy of Carlsberg, full match day hospitality, post-match entertainment, the full VIP England experience and get to play a match against a team of European football legends – Fabien Barthez, Henrik Larsson, Emmanuel Petit, Edgar Davids and Gianfranco Zola – and be managed by Gareth Southgate.

Heron and Brearley is fielding a team and is hoping to recruit 320 players (64 teams) who will be allocated to play for one of the company’s 43 managed houses across the island.

The competition is free to enter and players and their friends, families and supporters can also enjoy a complimentary post-match drink and hot dog at the Union in Castletown. In addition Heron and Brearley has pledged to donate a percentage of any post-match takings generated at The Union to go towards new sports equipment for a school (or schools) to be identified at a later date.

The brewery’s marketing and events manager Cosmo Currey said: ‘The tournament’s all about having fun and brightening up those post-Christmas and New Year days. It’s also just the start of a programme of community and sporting events we’ll be putting together throughout 2012.’

The competition is open to male players aged 18 years and over. Supply a name and contact details for each player in the team, to any Heron and Brearley managed house. Alternatively send Heron and Brearley’s events and marketing team an email. Contact Mr Currey on 472806 or 384654 or email {mailto:cosmo.currey@heronandbrearley.com|cosmo.currey(at)heronandbrearley.com} or try Helen Simpson on 463291, email {mailto:helen.simpson@heronandbrearley.com|helen.simpson(at)heronandbrearley.com}.

TREASURY Minister Eddie Teare MHK has welcomed a continuing fall in the island’s inflation rate, which ended 2011 at its lowest level for 16 months.

The annual rate of inflation as measured by the Retail Prices Index (RPI) fell again in December, finishing the year at 4.7 per cent, down from 5 per cent in November and well below its peak of 6.8 per cent in August 2011. The latest rate is the lowest since August 2010.

Mr Teare said: ‘This is the fourth successive month in which the island’s inflation rate has fallen and I would be hopeful of the trend continuing in 2012.’

Over the course of 2011, the items that saw the biggest price increases were tobacco and cigarettes (10.5 per cent) and fuel and light (10.1 per cent).

The annual rate of inflation excluding housing costs shown by the RPI decreased from 5.3 per cent to 5.0 per cent.

The annual rate of inflation shown by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) is also 5.0 per cent for December, down from 5.2 per cent in November.

Police have located a missing driver whose welfare they were concerned for.

A spokesman earlier said they were concerned for the welfare of the female driver, but added she was not in any trouble. However, police say Joanne Piekalns, 29, has now been found safe and well.

POLICE are investigating the theft of a chainsaw.

The 14-inch, yellow McCulloch electric chainsaw was taken from a shed behind a property in Main Road, Union Mills, overnight on Friday/Saturday.

A Karcher pressure washer was also taken.

Constable Bryn Griffith said: ‘I would urge any person who has knowledge of this incident to inform the police.

‘This can be done by calling the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111 if they wish to remain anonymous.’

Constable Griffith can be contacted at Onchan Police Station on 675190.

THE Roads Policing Unit has expressed disappointment that, despite its best efforts to prevent drink driving over Christmas, some people still got behind the wheel after boozing.

Throughout the festive period, 13 drivers were arrested, nine charged, two bailed awaiting further enquiries and two released with no proceedings following the police department’s anti drink driving campaign.

Inspector Terry Stephen, of the unit, said: ‘The constabulary has committed a great deal of resources, from the island’s neighbourhood teams and the Road Policing Unit to support the Department of Infrastructure’s Road Safety Unit and this year’s campaign.

‘We have stopped a total of 819 vehicles over the month-long campaign which is an increase over the last two years. The vast majority of motorists were very supportive of this initiative and backed our efforts to keep people safe on the roads over Christmas and the New Year period.’

But he added: ‘Unfortunately some still felt it was an acceptable risk to drink and drive and they have or will be dealt with by the courts. It is amazing that despite our best efforts to prevent drink driving a minority of people still chose to take the chance of driving whilst they are unfit.

‘We will continue to pro-actively promote this aspect of road safety throughout the year ahead. If you have concerns about anybody who you believe drives whilst unfit through drink or drugs you can contact any police station or leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers telephone number.’