The island’s Equality Bill is continuing its passage through parliament - despite an attempt by a LibVan MHK to refer it back to a committee.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper said he was ‘fully supportive’ of the principles behind the Bill but felt it was being rushed through.

He claimed referring it to a committee, which would report back no later than March, would allow the clauses to be debated in detail. He insisted this was not an attempt to delay the legislation.

But Douglas North MHK David Ashford maintained it would do just that. ‘I think it will kill the Bill or certainly bog it down. I don’t think it’s being rushed. The legislation has been in the mixing pot for a while.’

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas, who is leading the Bill through the Keys, urged MHKs not to refer it to a committee. ‘It may be seen as a delaying tactic by people outside this House,’ he said.

He said having a committee report back by March was an unrealistic expectation and questioned what it would achieve.

The Equality Bill has been a long time in the making, he said, with drafting approval first given in 2011. There was an extended period of public consultation in 2014, and the Bill successfully passed through the Legislative Council earlier this year.

Changes suggested by LegCo are incorporated in the Bill now going through the Keys.

Mr Thomas said: ‘I believe that there are few, if any, members of this House who would argue against the principle that people should, as far as possible, be treated equally and protected from discrimination.

‘I hope most members are delighted that our new government is bringing this Equality Bill as its first Government Bill.’

The basic concept of the Equality Bill is that unjustified discrimination is prohibited on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation, he explained.

It applies to the public, private and third sectors, and it covers all areas of life including employment, the provision of goods and services, education, and the carrying out of public functions.

The main forms of conduct that people are protected from under the Bill are direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and discrimination arising from a disability.

But he pointed out that there are circumstances under which treatment that could be discriminatory is permitted or may be permitted depending on the facts of the particular case.

Mr Thomas said the Disability Discrimination Act, which he described as an interim measure and whose final provisions are due to come into force in January 2020, would be repealed when the Equality Act came into operation - ‘no quicker, no slower, balancing expectations of all concerned’.

Daphne Caine (Garff) suggested that the Bill did not go far enough to protect people in the area of gender identity. She said other amendments might be needed to ‘ensure protection for all members of society.’ Bill Shimmins (Middle) warned about avoiding a deluge of speculative or spurious claims. ‘We need to deter claims which are without merit,’ he said.

The Keys unanimously voted to the give the Equality Bill its second reading. Mr Hooper’s motion for it to be referred to a committee was defeated.

The Manx Wildlife Trust is raising funds to save and sustain the seal population in the Isle of Man.

The island is home to two species of seals, the Atlantic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and the common seal (Phoca vitulina).

The MWT says that seals are an important feature of our marine landscape, forming an important role in the ecosystem.

They are top predators who help to maintain the ecological balance, preventing a population from growing larger than the system can support.

The removal of such species can result in disruption of trophic levels in the food chain and alter the entire ecosystem. Seals make up an important part of our Island’s Living Seas and they need our protection.

A spokesman said: ‘The better we understand factors such as breeding success, seasonal distribution and the occurrence of disease, the better we can protect our seals and the seas in which they live.

‘This is particularly important now with the potential development of renewable projects in Manx waters. We need to know where these animals go to feed or spend time to ensure the placement of any potential devices does not significantly impact the seals.’

Every autumn, the MWT arries out seal surveys on the Calf of Man.

For six weeks, volunteers monitor the seal populations and number of pups born during their breeding and mating season

The trust says this project has brought great results, allowing MWT to identify female seals who return year after year to give birth to their pups and gain insights into the behaviour of these spectacular creatures.

However, this work provides only a small look into the lives of seal populations.

Little is known about their movements for the rest of the year or even the numbers seen around the Isle of Man as a whole.

There is also a much wider scope to study their behaviour, mating patterns, their movement and more.

The last survey looking at seal abundance and distribution around the Isle of Man was in 2007. Needless to say, there is much more that needs to be done to get a better understanding of these creatures in our waters.

The MWT’s Living Seas Programme is designed to protect the Isle of Man’s marine environment and the wildlife it supports. By supporting this programme, well-wishers can help protect seals in Manx waters.

To make a donation online at this site.

On Sunday the Foxdale community had a fun-filled family afternoon in the Baltic Inn.

Santa was the main guest, along with an elf , the gruffalo and two Christmas bunnies.

There was also a brass band and carols beside the tree.

An urgent fundraising campaign has been launched in the hope a historic pleasure cruiser can be kept afloat next year.

The charity which owns the Balmoral, a regular visitor to the Isle of Man, says the vessel now needs between £350,000 and £500,000 spending on it to remedy problems and keep it sailing next season.

Owners, the MV Balmoral Fund Ltd, said despite carrying more than 50 per cent more passengers than in the previous year, income had been hit both by the weather and mechanical problems, causing the cancellation of a quarter of planned sailings.

Money raised will cover repairs and winter maintenance as well as dry docking, all of which are urgently needed to ensure she can operate next season.

Fund trustee Paul Doubler said: ‘We are appealing to everyone who would be sad to see our great maritime nation lose its last iconic coastal passenger ship to answer our emergency appeal.’

He said the vessel, which this year won the accolade National Historic Fleet Flagship for 2016, operated successful trips to the Isle of Man, North Wales and the Bristol Channel. But high winds and mechanical problems had caused cancellations, leaving funds depleted and her future in doubt.

‘In all Balmoral has visited more than 50 calling points around the entire UK. When Balmoral sails in and drops up to 600 happy passengers ashore with wallets and purses bulging it certainly gives a significant boost to the local economy,’ he said.

‘The irony is that when we have sailed and when the weather has been kind, we have proved that we can be financially viable and we are realistically convinced she does have a viable future.’

To help, visit www.mvbalmoral.org.uk or send cheques to the treasurer, MV Balmoral Fund Ltd, 23 Adder Hill, Great Boughton, Chester, CH3 5RA. All donations gratefully received.

A teenager who bit and kicked police has narrowly avoided a prison sentence.

Jessica Freya Dallison had to be immobilised in leg restraints when she was arrested on September 5 by police who were following up a complaint about youths damaging cars.

An earlier court hearing heard the 17-year-old had greeted police with a torrent of abuse and aggression. When police tried to arrest her she hurled herself to the ground, kicking out at them.

Once in the van, she bit a police woman, kicked another and had to be subdued using Pava spray.

The fracas followed an earlier incident in April, when the teenager again clashed with police who were carrying out a 1am search at a property on York Road in Douglas.

When police tried to make an arrest, she stood in the way and pushed one of them, before following them out of the flat bombarding them with invective, and telling them: ‘You better watch out for your family when you go home to kiss your kids at night. They won’t be there in the morning.’

Dallison, of Glen Darragh Road, Marown, admitted two assaults on police in relation to the September incident and obstructing police in relation to the events in April.

However, reports on the teenager described her as ‘lovely’ in normal circumstances, when not intoxicated,

Defending her, Ian Kermode said Dallison was just 16 at the time of the first event in April and was drunk while it took place.

‘She intervened when she saw police trying to use Pava spray and stood between them and pushed his hand away. She accepts it was unnecessary and inappropriate,’ he said.

He said she was also drunk during the second incident. The bite was through clothing, leaving no mark and the kicks were minor in nature.

Sentencing her, Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said such offences would normally attract custody. She received two years’ probation and must pay £75 compensation to each of the two police officers. No costs order was made.

Besieged Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly MHK insists his hands are tied over what he can say about the collapse of the Vision Nine deal, in the light of likely legal action.

Handling of the TT promoter contract has descended into farce as the government refused to be drawn into debating a matter which it says is now sub judice, when an issue cannot be publicly discussed while under consideration by a court.

Backbench MHK Chris Robertshaw tabled a motion of urgent importance in the House of Keys this week.

Mr Robertshaw asked why members had not been informed about the concerns of departments when the Vision Nine deal was brought to the April Tynwald for approval.

He also asked why there had been a ‘embarrassing’ delay between the Council of Ministers voting to discontinue the tender and informing Vision Nine. And he queried why the DED had stated that the matter was sub judice, when ‘clearly at this stage it is not’.

He questioned why government departments ‘simply cannot get their act together’ but added: ‘I do hope that when we come to look at this matter we do not choose to scapegoat either a Minister or a chief executive, but are more honest in our appraisal of why on earth we are making these sorts of mistakes.’

The DED Minister has referred the matter to Tynwald’s economic policy review committee.

We posed a series of questions to Mr Skelly, which we believe can be answered without undermining the government’s position in any future legal action.

1) How would you say DED has handled the tender process and the announcement that it is to be discontinued?

He replied: ‘We cannot comment as we have been advised by the Acting Attorney General that specific detail regarding the case could fall into the area of sub-judice.’

2) Why was Vision Nine not told of the decision sooner, ie straight after the CoMin vote?

Mr Skelly said: ‘Vision Nine were formally advised of the decision at the earliest opportunity on November 28 2016.’ 

3) Could this situation have an impact on the island’s reputation as a place to do business, and on the DED’s ability to encourage investment to the island?

Mr Skelly said: ‘The department is working to ensure that this will be maintained with a series of initiatives that are designed to make the Isle of Man an attractive location for relevant businesses. The department is confident that this growth and investment will be maintained.’

4) DED has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently – The Jacksons, Tom Jones and now this. Have you considered resigning over this matter? Should the position of senior officials within the department by reviewed? In short, should heads roll?

Mr Skelly replied: ‘I have already advised that the matter has been referred to the economic policy review committee. Other comment would therefore be inappropriate at this time.’

5) Do you still believe that bringing in a private promoter for the TT is the right way forward?

Mr Skelly said: ‘A review of the delivery of the TT and Classic TT will be undertaken but the delivery of the 2017 TT Races and Classic TT Races is on schedule to be delivered as usual under the existing structure and by the existing team following our decision in August that the Isle of Man Government would remain the promoter for both events – a decision which was notified to Vision Nine at the time.’

6) Was it DED’s intention to complete this tender and did DED have the authority to do so?

Mr Skelly said: ‘We are unable to comment as these are matters that have been raised by Vision Nine’s lawyers in their notified claim against DED.’

7) What assurances can you give for TT 2017 and beyond?

Mr Skelly said: ‘TT and Classic TT 2017 will be delivered by the existing experienced team and under the existing structure that has successfully delivered recent events. Both events are operating to the usual delivery plan.’

Groudle Glen’s Victorian waterwheel could turn again as part of a £50,000 refurbishment – but there is a question over who will pay.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Geoffrey Boot told the House of Keys his department was in talks with Onchan Commissioners over a possible restoration – but insisted the DEFA was not obliged to maintain and repair the attraction.

The rustic waterwheel, dubbed Little Isabella, was built in 1893 with the opening of the Manx Electric Railway line to Groudle. It has been used to pump water up to the Groudle Hotel and then later to power the fairy lights in the glen.

In the Keys this week, Douglas East MHK Clare Bettison asked who was responsible for its upkeep.

Mr Boot replied that the government has leased land at Groudle Glen from Onchan Commissioners, who own the site, since 1975.

He said: ‘The waterwheel and wheelhouse are in a state of disrepair and require a significant amount of financial investment to return them to a suitable condition both structurally and in terms of decoration.

‘Officers from my department have obtained structural and decorative costs for the building and also for the refurbishment of the waterwheel. These have been in the region of £50,000. DEFA is in discussion with Onchan Commissioners regarding the matter as there is some debate regarding the respective responsibilities of the owner and the tenant.

‘We will be seeking a meeting to discuss the matter with the new chief executive of the commissioners and once there is more clarity on the proposed solution I will be able to advise further.’

Onchan MHK Rob Callister claimed that the DEFA was fully responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the glen and the waterwheel.

Mr Boot insisted that wasn’t the case and while the department had carried out cosmetic maintenance, the advice from the Attorney General’s chambers was that it was not responsible for the structural repair of the wheel itself – but DEFA was ‘ready, willing and able’ to find a solution.

Garff MHK Daphne Caine asked why the waterwheeel was allowed to fall into such disrepair, leaving its dangerous and unsightly.

Mr Boot said it is fenced off.

Both of Saturday’s Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield have been postponed because of player unavailability.

Douglas B were due to face Western Vikings at Port-e-Chee, but the latter is struggling to field a side after last week’s bruising encounter with Ramsey B.

The other game between Vagabonds B v Castletown has also been called off with Town short on numbers.

Vagabonds, Douglas and Ramsey are all in South Lancashire and Cheshire league action, with the latter two at home.

The weekend’s action kicks off at little earlier than usual, with the senior schools final at Mooragh Park on Friday evening.

Fixtures

Friday, December 2

School Senior Shield Final

Ramsey Grammar School v Castle Rushen High School @ Mooragh Park ko 6pm

---------

Saturday, December 3

South Lancs/Cheshire Division One

Douglas v Southport @ Port-e-Chee ko 2.15pm

South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two

Tyldesley v Vagabonds @ Tyldesley

South Lancs/Cheshire Division Three

Ramsey v Linley & Kidsgrove @ Mooragh Park ko 2.15pm

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield both ko @ 2.15pm

Douglas B P-P Western Vikings @ Port-e-Chee

Vagabonds B P-P Castletown @ Ballafletcher

A family Scotch whisky company based in the north of the island is spreading the word about the Isle of Man through its international presence.

Lombard Scotch Whisky bottles and distills premium whiskies at various places in Scotland but the busy headquarters is at Bourne House, College Street, Ramsey.

Richard Lombard-Chibnall, global brand director, travels the world on business but admits: ‘I have been to many countries but I have to say I always love returning to the Isle of Man.’

He works from the office with his mother Margaret, the founder and chairman of the business and they have several staff working there including export manager Julie Christian and Lynn Cross.

Mr Lombard-Chibnell admits they have remained somewhat low key over publicity in the island but he had just returned from a trip to Hong Kong with the international Cathay Pacific Gold Medal for a brand of whisky with Manx links which they called Ballaglass.

He said the Manx name ‘Ballaglass’, was chosen as a premium blend to reflect the island’s celtic heritage.

Another Lombard product which has proved popular has been another gaelic themed blended Scotch called Dhoon Glen.

The two whiskies were proving particuarly popular in China and the Far East, he said.

Mr Lombard-Chibnell said the family had never regretted making the move to set up its administrative base in the island in 1970.

He said the company has an established and enviable high profile for its lucrative whisky portfolio, primarily single cask, single malt.

The latest award is one of many that have been bestowed on Lombard. The walls of the company’s meeting room are full of framed certificates and awards.

Whisky publications have often sung the praises of the company and one magazine has given a string of editor’s choice awards.

‘We are a small company so anything that raises our profile boosts our USP - unique selling point,’ said Mr Lombard-Chibnall.

These are busy times. ‘The whisky market has gone stratospheric,’ he said.

The company produced for some years in the 1970s a special blended Scotch exclusively for the House of Commons at Westminster.

Mr Lombard-Chibnall said ‘unprecedented worldwide demand for whisky’ meant the company was helping to promote the island internationally. The company concentrates on its international sales abroad but Dhoon Glen and Ballaglass is available to locals at the nearby Ramsey pub The Trafalagar.

With the final weekend of the season now upon us, it’s time for titles to be sealed, relegation and promotion to be decided.

In the PwC Mixed Premier League, Jamie Brown’s Ramsey Crookall Bacchanalians A hold a one-point lead over Saturday’s opponents, second-placed Crowe Morgan Valkyrs A.

They host Greg Miller’s Peel side in the grandstand finish at the NSC on Saturday.

Though the westerners could leapfrog the current champions and move to the summit of the league, Bacchas’ game in hand against their second team will surely mean the title is destined for the Whites whatever the result.

If the crown has all but been decided, it’s certainly not the case at the other end of the table where Partitionware Castletown Celts host bottom club Harlequins A.

Celts have beaten Quins in the league and cup this season, but games between the two are always fiercely competitive and the Douglas club will be desperate to get the result that will see them stay in the Premier Division. This one is simply too close to call.

In the final game, Steven Underwood’s third-placed Canaccord Genuity Vikings A take on fourth-placed Bacchas B. Barring a mathematical miracle, both of these sides will stay in the same positions in the top league, but both will be looking to finish the season with a flourish.

In PwC Mixed Division One, LJ Ramsey A sealed promotion in some style last weekend, but will switch their aims to continuing their perfect league season against second-placed Valkyrs B.

Should the northerners take their record to nine out of nine, it will give Vikings B the opportunity to take second in the division if they can claim a win against in-form Saracens Sabres.

Relegation is looming large for Ian Perry’s Vikings C in a slightly confusing bottom-of-the-table scrap.

They take on Bacchas C on Saturday lying two points behind their opponents.

They can go ahead of the Whites with a margin of victory of two goals or more, but with a game against champions Ramsey still to play, it’s likely that they will probably need to gain more of a goal difference advantage.

Castletown Cammags look to be in the driving seat for promotion from PwC Mixed Division Two.

They are level on points with Bacchas Colts, but with a game in hand and superior goal difference. Should they defeat third-placed Ramsey Ravens on Saturday, it will put them on the verge of Division One hockey next season.

Bacchas Colts will look to keep their title hopes alive with a high-scoring win over Valkyrs C and hope that Ravens can defeat the southerners, though that will move Ramsey just one point behind Bacchas with a game in hand.

Bottom club Harlequins Colts are looking for two points against Ramsey Rookies in the final game, which will move them off the bottom at Rookies’ expense.

However, with two games left to play against Cammags and Ravens, Rookies could still get the point to keep them in the division.

If PwC Mixed Division Two is confusing, it’s much more straight-forward in PwC Mixed Division Three, where Donna Harrison Valkyrs D have a six-point lead and seem to be strolling up to the second division.

They take on second-placed Bacchas D on Saturday, before Castletown Southerners and Saracens Sharks compete for southern bragging rights in the final game.

Saturday’s fixtures

PwC Mixed Premier Division

2.05pmRamsey Crookall Bacchanalians A

v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs A @ NSC

Umpires: Peter Foxton, Tim Leeming

2.05pmPartitionware Castletown Celts

v Harlequins A @ CRHS

Umpires: Susan Taylor, TBC

2.05pmCanaccord Genuity Vikings A

v Ramsey Crookall Bacchanalians B @ QEII

Umpires: Ian Dugga, Rob McKenzie

PwC Mixed Division One

12.35pm Saracens Sabres

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings B @ QEII

Umpires: Kirsty Bowley, Dee Gimbert

12.35pmCrowe Morgan Valkyrs B

v LJ Ramsey A @ NSC

Umpires: Emily Kelly, TBC

3.35pmCanaccord Genuity Vikings C

v Ramsey Crookall Bacchanalians C @ QEII

Umpires: Helen Cave, Vic Ferns

PwC Mixed Division Two

12.35pmPartitionware Castletown Cammags

v LJ Ramsey Ravens @ CRHS

Umpires: Andrew Bentley, Emily Middleton

3.35pmRamsey Crookall Bacchanalians Colts

v Crowe Morgan Valkyrs C @ NSC

Umpires: Alison Middleton, Andy Winslade

11.05amHarlequins Colts

v LJ Ramsey Rookies @ QEII

Umpires: Paul Hunter, TBC

PwC Mixed Division Three

11.05amPartitionware Castletown Southerners

v Saracens Sharks @ CRHS

Umpires: TBC, TBC

11.05amCrowe Morgan Valkyrs D

v Ramsey Crookall Bacchanalians D @ NSC

Umpires: James Harrison, Dave Whiting

The horse trams are to be retained as a twin track in the centre of the road, under a £23m scheme for the reconstruction of the Promenades to go before this month’s Tynwald.

But in a move that will dismay heritage campaigners, the line will be halved, with only the northern section running between Strathallan and Broadway. However, a corridor will be maintained so that the tracks could be extended along Loch Promenade back to the Sea Terminal in future.

Infrastructure Minister will ask Tynwald to approve a set of design principles including a full reconstruction of the roadways and drainage.

The twin tracks between Broadway and Summerhill are to be renewed in the current location, with rails laid to cater for heritage trams, including possibly MER trams in the future, and even allow for a potential modern light rail electric tramway system.

Truncating the line will save £750,000 and preserve parking.

A report to go before Tynwald states: ‘The department does not believe that operating horse trams along the full length of the Promenade is commercially viable.’

Existing parking provision and kerb alignments are to be largely retained in the northern end of the Promenade. The report notes that the loss of any parking provision will cause significant concern to retailers, hoteliers and shoppers.

There will be a broader revamp of the area around the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre including the construction of a tramway terminus.

In the section of the Promenade running between the Sea Terminal and the War Memorial, the tracks will be a removed but a tram corridor is to be allowed for to provide for the possible future extension of the tramway. However, if the section to the south of the War Memorial were built it would be used infrequently. The horse tramway is expected to run at a loss of £60,000 a year.

The total cost of the scheme, including enhanced surfaces for footpaths, side roads and highways between Regent Street and Broadway, will come to £23m - but that includes the £3m already spent on designs fees and work completed on phase one of the project.

If the required approvals and consents are secured in a timely manner the department expects works to start by the end of September 2017.

Mr Harmer said he was confident that the scheme would win Tynwald and public support. The next step would be a financial motion to the January Tynwald.

He said: ‘It is obvious there is no single option that meets the aspirations of the main interest groups - motorists, walkers, joggers, cyclists, visually impaired people, shoppers, tram enthusiasts, hoteliers and retailers.

‘I believe the department is offering the best solution by pursuing a simple, like-for-like development.’

The MER and horse trams lines would be linked under the plan, and if the overhead power line was subsequentlty installed, MER trams could run through to the new terminus at the Villa Marina.

Of the £3,017,618 spend to date on the promenades reconstruction, £1.64m was on phase 1 works, £248,000 on site investigations, £173,000 on early contractor involvement in tramway work, £70,000 on planning applications, and the balance of £861,000 on a range of professional fees, including specialist traffic modelling and safety assessments.

Residents in Peel took the chance to voice their complaints about proposed changes to a housing development on the outskirts of the town.

Housing developer Dandara has applied to alter plans at Slieau Whallian View, and instead of building the original 24 houses, it says it wants to build 49 smaller properties, including smaller terraced houses.

More than 40 people attended Wednesday’s meeting, which was chaired by Peel commissioners chairman Christine Moughtin and the town clerk Derek Sewell.

Also in attendance was Jennifer Chance, interim director of planning and building control, and Sarah Corlett, senior planner. Dandara officials also attended

Peel Commissioners outlined their objections, claiming that the number of car parking spaces provided was inadequate and that some of the smaller properties had insufficient garden space.

Residents also raised fears about the impact that a larger development could have on the infrastructure of Peel, and also about the potential increase in traffic.

Johnny Bernie, who lives in the nearby Tommy Clucas Avenue, claimed that the existing sewage treatment operation was already showing signs of breaking down, and stated that the extra development would add a greater strain to the system. He claimed that his quality of life had been compromised due to the smell of raw sewage, and that he has often seen raw sewage rising up from manhole cover in the road.

‘I have my concerns about a year down the line of the this development,’ he said after the meeting was wound up. ‘The drainage down there has already quit working. There are times already when the raw sewerage has come up through the manholes and floated down the road. So what’s going to happen now, when they put another hundred houses on it? I live in Tommy Clucas Avenue, in a house that cost £330,000, and there are times that I can’t go and sit in my garden because of the smell of the sewage system.’

Debbie White, who lives on the Reayrt Ny Cronk Estate, adjoining the new development, said: ‘The developers have changed their plans, and the properties have changed in size, which affects the people who are going to live in those properties.

‘There is the access rights to those properties, there’s the car parking issues, and there is also the infrastructure problems, with the sewage, which we have heard about tonight, which is already at its capacity. There’s also the doctor’s surgery, and the schools, which will cause major problems at a time when we are in an austere time.

‘This will end up costing government departments a lot more money in the long run.’

The development was defended by Dandara’s commercial director David Thomas, who said that the company was just responding to commercial pressures. He said that there was more demand for smaller, more affordable houses rather than larger properties, before adding that the company will work with the planning authorities and take issues surrounding the infrastructure on board.

‘People are entitled to express their views, and I think they did that very clearly tonight,’ he said. ‘What we have to do is take stock of the views that were raised and address them.’

The meeting was closed by Mrs Moughtin, who encouraged all parties with concerns to lodge their objections with the planning department.

‘The original strategic plan of 1,200 is now up to 1,900 houses,’ she said. ‘So where does it end? That’s what we’re asking the planners. They are the ones who give permission, and they are the ones who must say enough’s enough.

‘All we can do is give our views and our thoughts to them, like anybody else can.’

There’s a huge game taking place in JCK Division Two this weekend which could have a big impact on the destination of the title and promotion.

The match in question sees Castletown journey to the capital to face title favourites Braddan. The reverse fixture was one of the standout contests of the season so far when, in September, the Swans crushed 10-man Town on their own turf 11-1 to send out a massive statement of intent to their rivals. Since that thumping defeat though, Castletown have regrouped and steadily found their way past team after team before recently returning to the top of the table to keep themselves right in the promotion mix.

A weekend off last Saturday allowed Douglas Royal to take over at the top ahead of Braddan and Onchan one point back and Town a further point adrift. All signs point to this being a much closer affair and should be a good one to watch,

Royal with fancy their chances of extending their stay at the league summit when they host RYCOB at Ballafletcher. It’s been an inconsistent season for Youthie but they can push any team on their day, althoughm Royal will be favourites to claim three points.

Foxdale’s campaign has floundered in recent weeks but they will be odds on to claim victory away at lowly Malew, while Marown’s good run should continue at home to Governor’s Athletic.

Elsewhere, bottom-of-the-table Michael host Pulrose and Douglas and District host Gymns.

The Isle of Man’s inflation rate his risen slightly.

November’s figures from the government show that the cost of living, measured by the Consumer Prices Index, has gone up by 1 per cent in a year.

The month before the figure was 0.9 per cent.

One change has been the increasing price of fuel, which rose as the value of the pound fell against other currencies.

Transport is up 2.4 per cent.

Recreation and culture saw a 2.6 per cent jump in price and goods and services that come under the ‘communication’ heading rose by 6.3 per cednt.

In contrast, Food and non-alcholic beverages dropped by 1.7 per cent, while clothing and footwear was down 1.3 per cent.

There are 131 more government staff earning more than £50,000 compared with five years ago.

In the House of Keys this week Liberal Vannin MHK for Onchan Julie Edge quizzed Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas over why there had been an increase in expenditure on public sector salaries above £50,000 when there was supposed to have been a cap on departments’ salary budgets.

Mr Thomas told the Keys that the increase in expenditure on public sector salaries above £50,000 in the last five years was primarily due to public sector pay awards, which have risen on average by around 5 per cent over the period.

‘This, together with incremental progression, but combined with reduction in staff numbers, has led to a net increase of 131 earning above £50,000 compared to five years ago,’ he said.

Figures for staff remuneration contained the latest government audited accounts, for the year to the end of March 2016, show that the number earning above £50,000 rose from 895 in 2014-15 to 963 in 2015-16, an increase of 68.

One earned £300,000 to £324,999 (the same as last year), two earned £275,000 to £299,999 (up from one last year), two earned £250,000 to £274,999 (same as last year), six were paid £225,000 to £249,999 (up from four the previous year) and seven earned £200,000 to £224,999 (half the number in 2014-15).

The number earning between £100,000 and £199,999 has fallen by just one over the year from 108 to 107, but those paid between £75,000 and £99,999 have increased from 128 in 2014-15 to 139 in 2015-16, and the number in the £50,000 to £74,999 pay range has risen from 637 in 2014-15 to 699 in 2015-16.

Those figures are for total remuneration regardless of how many posts an individual employee has held and they include compensation payments. Mr Thomas said that those earning below £50,000 made up 91 per cent of overall pay and of those earning above £50,000, a high proportion are in services such as education, health, fire and police.

He said the cost control policy was to cap increases in employee costs at 1 per cent and Treasury has advised that if pay awards are made above that figure, departments have to make savings accordingly.

Ms Edge queried if that policy was being adhered to, given the increased expenditure on salaries over £50,000.

The Minister said that if pay settlements go to arbitration, government loses control of the ability to settle.

He said in the budget, the Treasury Minister would make his position clear how the effectiveness of existing budgetary policies can be improved.

In September it was announced public sector workers would get a 2.2 per cent pay rise, backdated to April.

Government had offered 1 per cent but the unions had sought 4.4 per cent and when extensive negotiations failed to find an agreement, it went to independent arbitration.

The pay award of 2.2 per cent amounts to an increase in salary costs of about £2.95m, which had to be found from within existing budgets. Ministers warned this would lead to job losses.

Tynwald members also receive the 2.2 per cent increase, taking their basic salary to £40,417.

Figures on the trading performance of the island’s struggling Meat Plant will not be disclosed as they ‘are commercially confidential’.

The future of the government-owned abattoir is currently under review. Options being considered include contracting out, selling it off – and even closing it down.

The Manx Independent asked the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to provide figures for how much the plant is losing annually and how many animals are being processed, compared with how many animals it was built to cater for.

It took two weeks to get a response – and even then DEFA did not supply the information requested.

Its statement said: ‘Volatility in the meat industry affects the plant’s financial performance but trading figures are commercially confidential.

‘Throughput figures are, similarly, subject to commercial confidentiality but there are seasonal differences so sometimes the plant operates at a higher capacity than at other times.’

Curiously, however, figures for profit and loss are available on the DEFA website, but only up to the year 2014.

A report on livestock pricing by Isle of Man Meats produced by Dr Steve Webster in September last year, reveals that the Meat Plant lost £86,604 after subvention in 2012. That figure fell to £44,111 in 2013 but then shot up to £115,440 in 2014.

The Meat Plant is operated by a co-operative of farmers trading as Isle of Man Meats. It slaughters cattle, sheep and pigs from Manx farms and the meat is then sold to local and off-island retailers for onward sale to consumers.

The Tromode facility is subsidised by the taxpayer. A subvention package worth £1.5m was agreed in Tynwald in 2012 as part of a three-year plan to make the Meat Plant more sustainable. That package saw guaranteed support decrease from £900,000 in 2013-14 to £380,000 in the current financial year.

DEFA said that during the second half of 2015, the business started to ‘under-perform’ and ‘subvention requirements escalated at that point’.

But it added: ‘However, of late performance has significantly improved.

‘The department is increasingly confident that the Meat Plant is an important and sustainable part of the food sector’s ability to add value to their product and is working with the MNFU and Isle of Man Meats’ board to ensure the business continues on the road to recovery.

‘The review project is expected to identify two or three options regarding how best to ensure a thriving plant and we expect to have an open meeting with the farming industry once those options are shortlisted, to explore their views and then conclude the long-term solution.’

DEFA said the island’s 400-plus farmers are free to choose their ‘route to market’ but the Meat Plant is currently obliged by board policy to accept stock presented to it.

The 100th edition of the the Cu-Plas Railway Cup bursts into life on Saturday afternoon with this year’s two semi-finals.

The draw has served up two intriguing ties, pitting Peel against St George’s at Colby and St Mary’s with Corinthians at the Bowl.

Geordies have won the competition for the last six seasons equalling the record set by Peel in the late 1960s, and early 1970s. St George’s boss Chris Bass Sr was keen to play down his side’s chances of making it seven in a row earlier in the week, saying his side had done exceptionally without injured strikers Calum Morrissey and Ciaran McNulty.

The latter remains sidelined with a calf problem, but Morrissey should play some part this weekend after continuing his return to fitness with a cameo against Douglas Athletic last weekend.

With Conor Doyle now residing in Dubai and the versatile Johnny Myers also hampered by injury, Bass Sr has had to call upon the scutch of 16-year-olds that joined the club in the summer. All have acquitted themselves well, Adam Long the latest to mark his senior debut with a goal last week.

Peel’s season has certainly been a rollercoaster. A campaign that started with such promise after victory over Geordies in the Charity Shield has been hit by the unavailability of the club’s Douglas Road ground and key players Josh Kelly and Lee Gale contributing to five defeats.

Steve Falconer’s men have improved in recent weeks taking points off both St Mary’s and Corinthians, but will require an inspirational performance from fit-again striker Ash Webster if they are to advance.

The other game sees St Mary’s play Corinthians for the first time this campaign.

The loss of captain Louis Thornton in September has made the Whites’ qualification for the first time since 1980 even more special.

They will take on a Saints side that has lost two of its last six league games after setting the season’s early pace.

Corinthians on the other hand are unbeaten in eight including a stand-out victory over Geordies.

This should be a cracker of a match with both capable of winning to book their place in Boxing Day’s final.

Public sector rents are set to rise by 2 per cent from April.

The revised charges were announced by Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer following consultation with the 15 local housing authorities.

He described the rise as ‘modest’ and added that it was ‘as fair as we can be without means-testing.’

The 2 per cent increase will result in the average public sector rent going up by between £1.10 a week for a one-bedroom flat and £1.87 a week for a three-bedroom house.

Tenants who have their rent costs met as part of their benefits will not be affected. Public sector rents will remain significantly lower than for equivalent housing in the private sector.

Inflation as measured by the Consumer Prices Index was 1 per cent in November, but 6.5 per cent as measured by the Retail Prices Index.

The cost of providing public sector housing, including maintenance, refurbishment and new and replacement properties, continues to outstrip rental income.

Government funds the difference, which stands at £4.1m for 2016-17.

Mr Harmer said he recognised the financial pressures many households face with rising bills and charges.

Public sector rents rose by inflation last year and by 5 per cent the year before

The Minister said: ‘Government is continuing to look at a policy on means testing, but it is a complex issue with much wider implications than housing.’

Fast food favourite KFC has closed with the loss of eight jobs.

The restaurant and take-away in Duke Street, Douglas, served its final customer last Sunday (November 27) with ‘commercial reasons’ cited for the closure.

Eight members of staff affected by the decision have been offered jobs in KFC outlets elsewhere.

A spokesman for the fast food giant said it hopes to have some finger-lickin’ good news for fans of its fried chicken in the future – as the company is seeking a new site for a drive-through facility.

A KFC spokesperson said: ‘Sadly, we had to close our restaurant in Douglas on Sunday for commercial reasons and we have offered all team members roles at other restaurants. We’re looking for a new site on the island that can accommodate a drive-thru and hope to have some good news for local fans in the future.’

The Douglas KFC was opened by comic Sir Norman Wisdom in 2002. Its departure follows the announcement of other big name closures including Wilkins, HMV and Mothercare.

St George’s winger Chris Bass Jr makes his sixth Team of the Week appearance of the campaign after impressing for the Canada Life Premier League leaders on Saturday.

The in-form wideman netted a hat-trick as the league pacesetters beat Douglas Athletic 7-0 to notch up their 14th win of the season.

Bass Jr is joined in an attacking-looking five-man midfield by Jack Saxon (Rushen), Matty Skillicorn (Laxey), Daniel Bell (Peel) and Josh Ridings (Corinthians). The latter struck twice as the Whites warmed up for this weekend’s Railway Cup semi-final against St Mary’s with a 5-2 win against Ramsey.

Saxon, Bell and Skillicorn were also all on the scoresheet in their respective games.

The mercurial Saxon, who makes his fifth TotW outing of the term, struck as the Spaniards beat mid-table St John’s 2-0 to stay third in the standings.

Peel skipper Daniel Bell opened the scoring in the westerners’ encounter with St Mary’s, which the latter battled back in to draw 3-3.

Ex-Ramsey winger Skillicorn continued his return from injury with a goal as the Miners beat struggling Union Mills 8-0 at Garey Mooar.

Skillicorn’s team-mate Joe Walters joins him in the hypothetical XI after the teenager impressed for Steve Moran’s side against the Millers.

Partnering the TotW debutant up front is DHSOB targetman Craig Murphy who enjoyed a bountiful trip to Andreas on Saturday.

Murphy netted four goals as Old Boys triumphed 4-2 over bottom side Ayre.

There’s more goals in the TotW’s back three.

St Mary’s roving full-back Harry Weatherill capped a Man of the Match performance against Peel with an 80th minute equaliser to earn his side a share of the spoils.

Fellow defender Jack McVey was also on the scoresheet at the weekend, while also helping his side to keep a clean sheet at the other end of the pitch as Geordies triumphed over DAFC.

Corinthians’ Stewart Smith is the only outfield member of the line-up not to have found the back of the net on Saturday. Smith impressed as the Whites edged past a spirited Ramsey 5-2 at Ballafletcher.

Claiming the goalkeeping gloves this week is Laxey’s Andy Ball for a third time this campaign.

The Miners stopper made some smart saves in the first half of the Greens’ encounter with Union Mills.

The Referee of the Week honours go to David Murphy after he had a good game with the whistle as Rushen beat St John’s.

Team of the Week 26/11/16

Goalkeeper:

Andy Ball (Laxey)TotW apps this season: 3

Defence: Jack McVey (St G’s) TotW apps: 4

Stewart Smith (Corinthians) TotW apps: 1

Harry Weatherill (St Mary’s)TotW apps: 2

Midfield:

Daniel Bell (Peel)TotW apps: 1

Matty Skillicorn (Laxey)TotW apps: 2

Josh Ridings (Corinthians)TotW apps: 3

Jack Saxon (Rushen)TotW apps: 5

Chris Bass Jr (St George’s)TotW apps: 6

Attack:

Craig Murphy (DHSOB)TotW apps: 2

Joe Walters (Laxey) TotW apps: 1

Ref: Dave Murphy (Rushen v St John’s)RotW apps: 2