Pupils in Anagh Coar Primary School’s Eco Committee have been working hard to raise awareness of keeping the area clean and tidy.

The youngsters have been determined to make a difference to their school and the local community and organised a litter pick around the estate and a poster competition for students in the school.

The poster competition had the aim of raising awareness of keeping Anagh Coar tidy and the winning posters are in the process of being made into outdoor friendly posters to be attached to the school fence. They will also be turned into stickers to distribute around the community in order to spread the message to residents.

In addition, a group of 14 children took part in a litter pick with Douglas South MHK Bill Malarkey, along with headteacher Rob Coole and caretaker Keith Phillips.

Mr Malarkey organised for Douglas Borough Council to drop off safety equipment including bags, gloves and litter pickers and to also collect any rubbish gathered by the pupils.

Mr Malarkey said: ‘They did a wonderful job cleaning up the local area and received plenty of praise and compliments from members of the community for their hard work whilst they were doing it.

‘They collected three big bags of rubbish over an hour period and Anagh Coar looked so much better for it. Thanks to the children for their hard work and effort.’

You may think that the two ladies in this photo are doing the can-can, but they aren’t – they are warming up for a walking netball session!

The weekly sessions have been running at the Tommy Clucas Sports Hall, in Peel, since February and as part of their drive to encourage more people to take part, the Manx Netball Association is running a free taster session on Tuesday, June 14 from 10.30am to 11.45am.

Rachel Andrew, Isle of Man netball development officer, said: ‘The ladies really enjoy coming to the sessions and their netball skills have improved massively.

‘They have great fun being more active and are getting much fitter – in the beginning we were having rest breaks every five minutes but the ladies have improved so much that they are now moving around the court much more quickly and only having a couple of brief drink stops!

‘All sessions are rounded off with a hot cuppa so they are very social too!

‘Anyone wishing to give walking netball a go is very welcome to join us – all abilities can take part, with everyone only doing as much as they feel able to.’

For more information, contact Rachel by email at mnadevelopment@gmail.com

Anyone who would like to compete in this year’s Southern District Agricultural Show must have their entries in by Sunday, June 19.

The show will take place on Saturday, July 30 from 10am and Sunday, July 31 from 11am at Great Meadow, Castletown.

It will feature various categories including cattle, heavy horse, sheep and meg lambs, goats and vintage machinery.

The show’s committee have also added some new Young Handler classes in the cattle and sheep sections which they hope will attract some newcomers.

Entries for Saturday’s craft and produce section will be taken on Friday, June 29 between 3pm and 7pm or on the day between 8am and 9.30am. However, confectionary and bakery can only be entered on the morning of the show. Entries for the pet show and companion dog show on Sunday will be taken on the day.

For entry forms and further information go to www.southernshow.org or contact secretary Sarah Comish on 494497 or at sdas@manx.net

Contact Carrie Cooil on 497687 for more details about the dog obedience and agility sections or Tracey Watt on 400503 for agility.

Rob Callister has announced he will seek election as MHK for Onchan in September.

Announcing his intention to stand, Onchan commissioner Mr Callister, 47, said he believe the forthcoming general election will be one of the most important elections for a generation.

He said: ‘This island will certainly need MHKs that are prepared to work longer, harder and smarter than ever before, if the Isle of Man is to truly overcome these financial challenges, protect frontline services and create genuine opportunities for us all.’

Mr Callister has been an Onchan commissioner since May 2012.

A chartered manager, compliance professional and a trust and estate practitioner. he has worked within the island’s finance sector for the past 18 years.

Brought up in Andreas and Ramsey, he lived in Douglas and Onchan, before settling down in Abbeylands in 2007. He was educated at Andreas Primary School, Ramsey Grammar School, the Isle of Man College and the Isle of Man International Business Centre.

He’s been married to wife Ellen since 2006.

Mr Callister said that during his time as commissioner, he has built up a considerable working knowledge of both central and local government, their many policies and procedures, along with a good working knowledge of primary and secondary legislation systems.

He said: ‘Representing and serving the Onchan community has always been at the heart of every decision I have made during the last four years, and I have come to understand and appreciate the important role that central and local government play within the wider community.

‘I believe that I have conducted myself with the highest level of professional ethics at all times, and I have not been afraid to voice my concerns or spend considerable time researching topics, in order to ensure that decisions are made for the right reasons on behalf of Onchan.

‘Not only do I have the relevant communication skills to serve the Isle of Man, the local authority and the people of Onchan at the highest possible level, but I would do so with enthusiasm, integrity and commitment.

‘Building on this solid foundation of experience in local government, together with my knowledge of private business over the last 18 years, I now believe I am ready to make the transition to national politics to focus not only on Onchan but also on the wider good of the island.

‘As a Keys candidate, I pledge to work even harder for the constituency over the next five years, to ensure that all Onchan residents continue to have a strong voice and representation in Tynwald.’

Tynwald will be asked to approve proposals for the taxpayer to buy a newly-built nursing home at a cost of up to £8.1m.

The 68-bed care home has been built on Salisbury Street, Douglas, on the site of the former Homefield bus depot.

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: ‘This is a strategic move to address the lack of affordable nursing home places on the island and the wider impact this is having on health and social care services.

The department believes it offers value for money for the taxpayer as well as having the potential to make a significant impact on its capacity to provide good quality care for older people.

‘If the care home is purchased, the department plans to run an open procurement process to identify an organisation to operate the facility.’

Expressions of interest will be sought for operators to run the him. If this is not successful, the DHSC says that as a ‘last resort’ it will seek to provide the services through an arms length operation.

Planning approval was granted to David Wormald of Salisbury Care Limited in September 2014 for the development (14/00876/B). JCK was the contractor for the project which was due to be completed this month.

A free one hour event for anyone who wants to learn more about digital due diligence takes place on Thursday.

TLC Business Solutions and Colin Tansley of Intelect Solutions have joined forces on the issue.

As specialists in the training and investigations fields, the two businesses have been working together to identify solutions.

Now an island resident, former police officer Colin said: ‘Enhanced due diligence is a pivotal aspect of the anti-money laundering process.’

Sue Gee of TLC pointed out that search engines such as Google are very complex automated systems, and without some knowledge of how they work – their strengths and weaknesses – you could be misled or fail to find key data.

Sue said: ‘Training staff who do customer due diligence is required by law, so they need to learn how to enhance their work through proper use of the digital world.’

Thursday’s event takes place from 6pm to 7pm. Call 664789 or email janet@tlc.co.im for information.

Isle of Man Bank managing director Bill Shimmins will stand for election to the House of Keys in September.

The Glen Vine resident will contest the seat in Middle.

Mr Shimmins, 50, will leave his current role in July, after serving as managing director for the last five years.

His banking career spans 34 years including posts across the UK, Europe and Asia.

His wife, Alison, is a teacher at Braddan School, and the couple have lived in Glen Vine for more than 13 years.

Their two vchildren attended Marown School and QEII High School in Peel before moving away to study at university.

Mr Shimmins now serves as a governor at Marown School.

In a statement released this morning (Tuesday), he said: ‘The Isle of Man is an incredible place and we are very lucky to live here. I am passionate about the island.

‘Like others, I am naturally concerned about the social and economic difficulties we face.

‘I am determined to work for the island to ensure it continues to prosper as a community. In business, I take a decisive and responsive approach to overcome complex issues.

‘I hope to be given the opportunity to use my skills, experience and commitment for the benefit of all.’

The number of road accidents during TT was up on last year, police have confirmed.

There were a total of 99 fatal, serious, minor or damage-only collisions on the open roads during TT2016, compared with 86 in 2015.

It has been a busy TT for the emergency services and the two weeks of almost unbroken good weather played a part.

Chief Constable Gary Roberts said; ‘TT has certain variables built in, and the weather is certainly one of them. Sunshine invariably leads to more miles ridden on the roads, and more people out enjoying the festival atmosphere.

‘We have seen an increase in collisions over last year, but the figures correlate with the five year trend. Over the next few weeks we will carry out some deeper analysis in preparation for the Classic TT, and beyond.’

He said arrests were around half that experienced a decade ago, at 110 for the fortnight. He said there were some issues concerning drunken juveniles and it was ‘regrettable’ that once again, local people featured heavily in behaviour that led to them coming into custody.

Mr Roberts added: ‘My officers worked incredibly hard as they always do, and I was overwhelmed at the feedback I heard from the public about the way they went about their duties.

‘It makes me really proud to be part of a small police force that has such a great worldwide reputation.’

Campaigners wanting to modernise the island’s abortion laws will hold a meeting this week at the Manx Legion Club in Douglas.

Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation (CALM) meets at the Market Street venue tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7.30pm. The meeting is public and open to all. Discussion will centre on public demonstration, presence at the Tynwald Day fair and lobbying candidates in the general election. See www.facebook.com/calmiom

Fans turned out to show their support to home-grown star of the screen and stage Samantha Barks.

Her sell-out homecoming concert at the Gaiety Theatre on Saturday evening saw her showcasing the immense power and range of her voice for which she has become famous.

Earlier that day, fans queued up outside HMV in Strand Street to get a selfie with the 25-year-old along with a signed copy of her solo album, which was released on Friday.

After her performance, Sam also took the time to meet members of the audience, again signing copies of her eponymous album.

In a video message posted on Twitter on Saturday, she thanked her island supporters for their loyal backing saying: ‘I am so excited to be coming home to the Isle of Man.

‘Thank you so much to everyone who is going to come down and see me perform.’

The Gaiety concert was the second date on Sam’s 13-venue tour of the British Isles to promote the album.

It started at Theatre Royal in Norwich last week and will see her performing at locations including London’s Shoreditch town hall and Leeds City Varieties.

The album features 12 tracks such as Troublemaker, On My Own and As Long As He Needs Me.

The final track, as a nod to her Manx roots, is Ellan Vannin.

Sam first came to the public’s attention as a contestant in the 2008 BBC reality singing competition I’d Do Anything.

Her portrayal of Eponine in Hollywood blockbuster Les Misérables earned her an international reputation.

She also has lauded touring productions of Oliver! and Cabaret under her belt.

And she won acclaim on the US stage for her performance in the title role in the world premiere of musical Amélie at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, in California.

A Ramsey man has been convicted of three offences in court after a drunken homophobic rant about cyclists.

Neil William Callow, of Brookhill Road, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour on licensed premises, failing to leave licensed premises and provoking behaviour.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how Callow, who is 45, had been in the Stanley Hotel on West Quay in Ramsey on June 8.

At 8.20pm, he was said to be watching the television at the bar, waiting for TT highlights to come on, with three other people.

There was a cycling programme on and Callow began shouting and being abusive, making homophobic comments and calling the cyclists homosexuals.

The people with him left and he then approached some people sat at a table and continued with his homophobic abuse of the cyclists.

He was told to ‘back off’ by the people at the table and said: ‘Oh I’ve got a challenge on.’

He was escorted from the premises but was later seen in the Commercial Hotel in Marina Road.

He was again ranting about cyclists, being abusive and calling them ‘gay’.

Callow was asked to leave the pub but swore and refused. Police were called but he left before they arrived.

He was next seen in Bar Logo where he grabbed a man by the head, shaking him with both hands and was again asked to leave.

Callow left, swearing and pushing a chair as he went, and was arrested outside. Bail was granted and Callow will be sentenced on July 21.

A gymnastics coach who stole cash from a club tuck shop has been sentenced to 150 hours’ community service.

Amanda Jane Keating, of Belmont Terrace, Douglas, pleaded guilty to two offences of theft totalling £542 from the Manx Gymnastics Centre of Excellence.

Chair of the magistrates’ bench Caroline Convery said: ‘Your employer put trust in you and you betrayed that trust.’

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how Keating, aged 50, had been working for the Manx Gymnastics Centre of Excellence as a gym coach and in various admin roles since the start of 2015.

The court heard that a large amount of cash had gone missing from the safe and new processes had been implemented to monitor this.

However, on December 15 and 18, and February 10, more cash was found to have gone missing. Petty cash was also said to have been short and on February 13, 14 and 15 cash was said to have gone missing from the honesty box in the tuck shop.

It was suspected that only a member of staff could be responsible for the thefts.

A surveillance camera was subsequently put in the tuck shop and a £10 note was marked and put in the honesty till.

On February 20 more cash was said to have been missing from the tuck shop so CCTV footage was viewed which showed Keating removing cash from the till on three occasions.

She told police in interview: ‘I do have money from one student paid this evening.’

A total of £42 was found in her belongings, including the marked note, and some in an envelope bearing a child’s name.

Police searched Keating’s home and a number of items were found which suggested that she had been stealing money, including envelopes with names on, money and session times, and insurance documents and forms.

It was alleged that a number of children may not have been insured against injury due to money being taken but a basis of plea was entered by Keating’s advocate, which was accepted by the court, denying this.

In it she said that she accepted that she took £500 in small denominations over time from the tuck shop and had spent it on food and taxis.

She added that she had also replaced a large proportion of the money over time though not all of it.

Her defence advocate Steve Wood said: ‘It is a saddening probation report. She found it hard to pay the rent, buy groceries and get to work when her partner was spending the rent money on drink. She was put in a position where she felt she had to borrow the money and borrow is what she did. She still has to repay £15.60 but the remainder has been paid back.’

A 25-year-old woman from Port Erin has been sentenced to a reparation order after biting a nightclub bouncer.

Gemma Louise Rodger, of Erin Lane, was also ordered to pay £1,000 court costs.

The reparation order means that she will have to meet with her victim face to face and complete work on alcohol education.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, on October 4 at 1am, police were called to the Outback bar in Barrack Street in Douglas.

Rodger was being detained by security staff who said they had seen her lashing out at a man.

Staff said that they had been escorting her out when she bit one of the bouncers on the top of the right arm.

The court heard that the bouncer had three layers of clothing on, including a jacket, but Rodger still left a visible bite mark.

Police said that she was unsteady on her feet and had glazed eyes, and she was subsequently arrested.

At police headquarters, in an interview, Rodger said she had got into an argument with her boyfriend and been removed by security.

She said she couldn’t remember biting anyone or what happened.

A basis of plea was entered in court on her behalf which was accepted by the prosecution.

In it, Rodger said she had been rowing with her boyfriend because she had wanted to go home. She said she tugged at his sleeve and fell down.

Rodger said that she had been removed by the shoulders by a bouncer but could not see any words visible stating that he was a member of security other than an armband and added that the bite had only lasted a second, was not pre-meditated and she was removed without struggle.

The court heard that the bite did not break the skin. A probation report recommended the reparation order.

Defending Rodger in court, advocate Darren Taubitz said: ‘Reparation orders are very prevalent in the UK but not used often here.

‘They are not an easy thing to go through, both parties have to agree to them, the victim and the defendant.

‘Ms Rodger has gone out, and wanted to go home but her boyfriend did not. She grabbed his sleeve and lost her balance. Security have then taken her out.

‘Police did not seize all of the CCTV footage so there are very few angles shown. A number of images were not shown, how it started, her falling over and being taken out.’

Letters of refence were handed in for Rodger praising her highly and the court heard that she had no previous convictions.

Chair of the magistrates bench Caroline Convery said: ‘Staff working on licensed premises do a very difficult job and are vulnerable to violence and abuse from members of the public who are intoxicated. They can expect the protection of the courts.’

Objections to the regeneration scheme in Castletown created delays which potentially cost the town £1m in lost funding for other schemes, said town MHK Richard Ronan, who is also town regeneration committee chairman.

His comment was made at a commissioners meeting he was invited to with regeneration manager Steven Stanley.

New paving and lighting has transformed the square, but commissioners raised some issues.

Jerry Ludford-Brooks said the benches and cycle rack are not movable, as was intended.

Mr Stanley explained items are removable only in relation to three different layouts.

What about the pa system asked Colin Leather? Mr Ronan said: ‘It’s frustrating, it does take time.’

Poor visibility for cars leaving the square makes it a ‘major hazard’ added Mr Leather.

Mr Stanley replied: ‘That layout was designed within current guidelines.’

Mr Ronan said: ‘It’s easy to focus on the negatives but the vast majority is good.’

He suggested Mr Ludford-Brooks would benefit from lessons in positivity, which is being taught at school.

There are also trip hazards on pavements. Mr Ronan said it’s up to authorities to address such local issues.

Will repaving be extended? asked Carol Quine. The regeneration fund has run out, said Mr Ronan. He talked about ‘the long battle we have had to get this’. The original vision was for three schemes: the square, Parade and Castle Street and castle gardens. But he said delays caused by two objectors – Mr Ludford-Brooks and former chief minister Tony Brown - meant there was only enough funding for one scheme. ‘What has gone under the radar is the money the town lost potentially - £1m.’

Mr Ludford-Brooks said: ‘I objected, you cannot say we cost the town £1m.’

Mr Ronan said: ‘The dynamics (of the town) have changed ... We are doing so much to bring this town on, it’s on its way we have had a tough decade, what’s happening is really encouraging.’

He added: ‘We should be saying: what is our town going to be in 5 to 10 years’ time. The biggest thing is the housing review, that will transform the town.’

Former commissioner Kevin Weir said: ‘Let’s get on with it. We did the foundations, it’s up to you to crack on and stop whinging!’

Mr Leather said: ‘The town has got to reinvent itself . We have got to put the jigsaw together, not the old one, a new one because of the internet ... one person is controlling most of the shops but cannot let them because no business will deal with him.’

Mr Ronan said regeneration in Liverpool has been ‘magical. They always had the treasure, all they did was unlock it.’

The father of two young men who died after taking ecstasy is backing a UK campaign to legalise drugs.

Jacques Lakeman, 20, and his brother Torin, 19, were found dead in a flat above a pub in Bolton in November 2014.

They both had overdosed on MDMA, or ecstasy, bought from abroad on the internet’s ‘dark web’.

Their father Ray, from Port St Mary, has backed campaign group Anyone’s Child, a group of bereaved parents campaigning to legalise and regulate drugs.

The boys’ mother Sarah, who teaches at Castle Rushen High School, said she does not share her husband’s views.

The distinction between their opinions was not made clear in articles published about the Lakemans at the weekend in the Mail on Sunday and the Telegraph.

Mr Lakeman told the Isle of Man Examiner: ‘The war on drugs is not working – this is the only way to control it and it will also prevent gang warfare and violence.

‘It’s not going away. If I felt my boys were killed because of drugs and knowing that everybody stopped, it would make a difference, but I know it doesn’t.

‘I know friends of Torin’s at Aberystwyth University [where he was studying physics] are still taking drugs – it has not stopped them.

‘Newcastle University is giving out tester kits to students so kids know the drugs they are taking are safe. It’s not stopped it.

‘I’m sure if my boys had known what they were taking they would have stopped and would be alive today. It’s too late for my sons but not for others.’

In the Mail on Sunday, he said: ‘We insist on the safety and control of alcohol, tobacco, even sugar – so why not with drugs?’

Sarah said in the article she ‘felt angry’ at Torin for buying the MDMA on the ‘dark web’.

She said: ‘He used to be so anti-drugs after seeing his brother’s behaviour. The only comfort I take is knowing they were having a nice time, that they were happy and together when they died.’

Ray said: ‘Sarah’s ambiguous. She is angry – it’s colouring her take on everything.

‘She understands my point of view and is supporting me but has other things to deal with. It’s my view point, not hers. She understands what they are saying but is not 100 per cent sure she thinks if being made legal is a good thing.’

Sarah added: ‘I’m a teacher, it would not be very helpful to say I am sharing his stance. I would like to keep out of the debate.’

The Isle of Man Business Network raised more than £6,000 for The Children’s Centre at its annual Black Tie Ball.

The night started with a drinks reception in Tahiko sponsored by Estera, followed by the Ball in the Palace Hotel and Casino, sponsored by Barclays and compered by Peter Sutton of Barclays.

The event attracted 170 guests with entertainment provided by guest speaker, David Bryon, followed by live music from local band Soul Suspects.

David Bryon, former managing director of bmibaby, provided observations into a side of the aviation industry the passenger rarely sees, uncovering the truth about airport check-ins, in-flight communication, customer relations and other joys of 21st century air travel.

Rachael Hooper, chairman of the IOMBM, said: ‘The IOMBN ball is one of the biggest events in our social calendar and was once again a wonderful event.

‘David Bryon was a great speaker; he combined business insights with pure comic genius and shared some great stories of what it’s like to work for an airline.

‘I’d like to thank everyone who came to the ball and helped us raise so much money for our chosen charity, The Children’s Centre.’

She added: ‘I would also like to say a huge thank you to Estera for sponsoring our drinks reception and to Barclays for sponsoring the dinner. Barclays donated £3,000 of matched fundraising which helped us raise an amazing £6,015 on the evening.’

The IOMBN also launched their new initiative on the night, TEAM IOMBN, to connect with the local community and give something back by getting involved in and helping out at events across the island.

Anyone who would like to join TEAM IOMBN at The Children’s Centre annual Rounders Championship on Thursday, June 23, or to register your interest to join TEAM IOMBN at other upcoming events, let them know at team@iombn.im

If you would like further information in respect to upcoming IOMBN events, visit the website: www.iombn.im.

The Isle of Man Business Network is a not for profit organisation, run by volunteers.

It used to be known by its old name of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Work is to start ‘immediately’ on a £20m car showroom after a planning appeal was rejected.

Developer Eden Park has been given the green light to build the Jacksons multi car franchise dealership on a 10-acre site in Cooil Road, Braddan.

Bosses say the private investment will create up to 65 jobs on opening in 2017, with growth plans taking that up to 100.

Paul Collier, chief executive officer of Channel Islands based Jacksons told Business News: ‘We have received near to unanimous support for what we consider to be our flagship showroom and service centre.

‘We are delighted that work will commence immediately on what will be a landmark state-of-the-art facility the island can be proud of.’

The green light has been given by Richard Ronan MHK, minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) and independent inspector Michael Hurley. An appeal had been lodged by the Isle of Man Development Company, the organisation that established the Spring Valley Estate, following initial consent by planners to the plans (15/01186/B).

The official documentation from DEFA confirms the minister has granted approval for development of a multi-franchise car dealership consisting of two showrooms, an aftersales service building and a valeting building, with associated roads, storage, drainage, car parking, landscaping and alterations to highways , including the creation of a roundabout, with retention of an area of open space/agricultural land.

However the minister says planning approval was refused for approval inprinciple for a third showroom, a second aftersales sales building and extension for the second showroom.

The planning inquiry included site visits in April and May.

Jackson’s CEO Mr Collier is delighted and claiming victory.

He told Business News the decision will bring more choice and value for money for car customers.

He said: ‘The range of marques we will be bringing to the island are all new arrivals, or have recently been lost from the local market. They will include Audi, VW, Volvo, Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Skoda, Jeep, Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Ssangyong and VW Commercial.

‘We also know that other respected brands, once they see the quality of this new development, will require representation on the island, bringing even greater choice.

‘For local residents who require warranted work on their vehicles, but have no on-island approved service centres, it is even better news.’

On behalf of Eden Park, James Greenhalgh, a director, said: ‘This is great news for the Isle of Man on many levels.

‘Jacksons is a specialist island dealership and genuinely understand the needs of island communities and Paul Collier understands this better than most having lived and worked here in the past.

‘It’s also a huge boost for the Manx economy.

‘This is a private investment into the island of around £20m and will create up to 65 jobs on opening, with growth plans taking that up to 100.

‘But this isn’t just a new car showroom: it is a truly landmark development and one that will demonstrate to other businesses looking to locate to the island that the Isle of Man is a great place to do business from, which ties in perfectly to the Government’s Freedom to Flourish strategy.

‘Of course, it’s great news for Eden Park too where phase one, comprising high quality light industrial units, was completed last year and is well on the way to selling out.

‘We love our island and are totally committed to developing a world-class business park.

‘From the extensive landscaping to the ultra-modern and eco-friendly units, this business park has been and will continue to be a major factor in attracting key new industries to the island, from the latest technology companies to established businesses looking for a jurisdiction that offers many benefits.’

One of the main points raised during the planning procedure, said Jacksons, was claims that a large number of car franchises had been lost to the island and the ‘onerous’ cost of meeting manufacturers’ investment demands for the franchises meant that more could be lost in the near future, impacting heavily on consumer choice for Manx residents.

Jacksons said itwas agreed this deficiency of choice for the consumer led to an overriding national need for the proposed development.

Another factor was the level of private investment, new job creation and boost to the island economy, said the company.

It was confirmed that following the successful planning application, Eden Park will start work ‘immediately’ on the 10-acre Cooil Road site.

Started in 1950 in Jersey, Jacksons says it has been instrumental in ‘evolving the way vehicles are sold in the offshore market and latterly in the Isle of Wight, offering UK competitive pricing, an in-house leasing division, finance and insurance schemes, service plans and full manufacturer service and warranty support for all marques represented.’ Jacksons boss, Mr Collier, is no stranger to the island having spent part of his childhood here and a period of employment in later years.

He previously told Business News he is a big believer in the island as a place to do business and says he has been keen to open a Manx company and trade here for some time. ‘It has a great infrastructure and I was delighted when the Board of Jacksons agreed to come here,’ said Mr Collier.

A woman suffered facial injuries following an early morning incident in the toilet area of a Douglas nightspot last week.

Police say the alleged assault took place at Nexus Vodka Bar on Loch Promenade between 12.45am and 1.10am on Wednesday, June 8.

Two groups of women were said to be involved.

If you can help police with their enquiries, contact Constable McLoughlin on 631212.

A 23-year-old Onchan man has been fined £275 after he was arrested drunk at his work place.

Gavin James Laing, of Queens Road, was also ordered to forfeit £100 of his bail recognisance after he arrived over two hours late for his court appearance.

Laing pleaded guilty in court to a charge of resisting arrest on June 3 at the Chesterhouse Hotel on Loch promenade in Douglas.

Another charge, of being drunk and disorderly, was withdrawn by the court.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how police were called to the hotel at 6.22pm after a report of Laing being detained there.

When officers arrived Laing told them he had not done anything and that he wanted to go home.

He was said to be ‘passive aggressive’ and had to be told to sit down three times.

His employer told police that Laing had turned up for work drunk and had been swearing in the hotel foyer.

Laing started to struggle with police and said: ‘Do you want to make a scene?’

He pushed an officer into a desk and was then taken to the ground.

Chief Constable Gary Roberts and Superintendent Simon Lowe were also present and assisted in restraining Laing.

He was taken to a police van and kicked out at officers in the back of the van. Officers then used Pava incapacitant spray in order to control him.

Defending Laing in court, advocate Steve Wood said: ‘My client has taken a pragmatic approach. His recollection is hazy. Rather than Chief Constable Roberts and Superintendent Lowe having to give evidence in court he accepts the facts.

‘Often with allegations of this sort probation reports are requested but I submit it is not required and this can be dealt with today.

‘There is only one offence before the court. With regards to the Pava spray, that was outside, the charge relates to the Chesterhouse Hotel.

‘That leaves a defendant being in the hotel and admittedly intoxicated. He has been “passively aggressive”, though I don’t like the word “aggressive” used when someone refuses to sit down.

‘Alcohol does feature too highly in his previous convictions and he will have to watch that in future.’

Mr Wood added: ‘He attended work. It was the evening, he had been out with friends drinking. As a result he had the embarrassment of being taken to the ground in front of his colleagues and employer. He has suffered the loss of his job, been locked up for the evening and sprayed with Pava – he did bring this on himself.

‘He shouted but he had just lost his job, it was an emotional time for him. It was on licensed premises but not in a bar, it was his place of work, so we would oppose any licensing ban.’

Mr Wood said that his client was now out of work but aimed to get back in work as soon as possible.

Mr Wood added that Laing had overslept and missed his 10am court appearance, not arriving until after lunchtime.

‘He apologises for his non-attendance this morning. He overslept but he did attend and saved the authorities having to go out and find him,’ said the advocate.

Chair of the magistrates bench Caroline Convery said: ‘Obviously your behaviour was unacceptable in the hotel and in the way you treated the police. We are also unimpressed with your excuse that you overslept.’

Proposals for the reform of the government’s unified pension scheme will be a significant step in putting it on a more sustainable footing.

That’s the view of the Public Sector Pensions Authority whose proposals will be the focus of a key Tynwald debate next week.

But the plans will not solve the so-called legacy funding gap, the deficit between income and expenditure for those public servants who have already retired. Options to tackle this will not go before Tynwald until after the general election.

The reform of GUS have been accepted by all involved in the PSPA’s pensions committee with two notable exceptions - the Prospect union and the Prison Officers’ Association.

And following consultation and negotiation with staff representatives, there have been significant changes to proposals as originally drafted by the working group. Employee pension contributions will increase by 2.5 per cent of pensionable pay for both existing and future new members. The working group report had proposed a 3 per cent increase.

There will be benefit reductions for both current and new members equivalent to 1.8 per cent of pensionable pay. The working group proposal was a benefit reduction equivalent to 1.3 per cent of pensionable pay.

In line with the working group report, the future service cost of providing benefits – the so-called ‘cost envelope’ –will reduce over the next 15 years from the current 28.6 per cent of pensionable pay to 26 per cent. Over that same period, the employer’s share of the cost of providing benefits reduces from the current 22.5 per cent of pensionable pay to 16.1 per cent - under the working group proposal this would have been 15.6 per cent.

The current split of costs between employees and employers changes from a 25/75 split to 33/66.

In its report, the PSPA notes: ‘The above proposals are a significant step to put the unified scheme on a more sustainable footing. However, there is still a requirement to address the historic cash flow position. [This] cannot solely be addressed by penalising current or expected new members.’

It said options for managing legacy funding issues had been identified and will be subject to further talks between Treasury, Tynwald members and the PSPA.

It has been agreed in principle the reforms will apply to Tynwald members. And talks are underway to extend the reforms to teachers, the police and the judiciary. Discussions with the teaching unions focus on three options – implementing UK pension reforms here, bringing teachers into GUS or a middle ground where teachers remain in their own scheme but UK reforms are not followed in their entirety.