COUNCIL tenants in Douglas are being urged to downsize to more appropriately sized properties - to free them up for families who really need them.

And chairman of the housing and property advisory committee, Councillor Carol Malarkey, said following a housing review, rules were being more rigorously enforced on tenancies.

She was speaking after one resident in Pulrose contacted the Examiner to complain that they were being told to move out of their three-bedroom house where they had lived for half a century.

Graham Skillicorn, 53, said he had lived in the property on Springfield Avenue for 51 years but had been asked to move into a flat in Lord Street instead as his name is not on the tenancy.

The tenancy is in the name of his father Brian who is in the Southlands care home in Port Erin. Graham’s mother Joan died in 2003. He said: ‘It’s my family home and I’m not going to leave.’

Mr Skillicorn claimed his former MHK Adrian Duggan had helped to arrange the transfer of the tenancy a number of years ago but the Corporation had said it could not find the paperwork. He said there were issues with the boiler and a damaged sewer main at the property but he could not move into a smaller property as his children and grandchildren come to stay.

But Mrs Malarkey said: ‘Douglas housing do ask people to downsize especially if a tenancy is not in their own name and especially if a resident is in a property not suitable to their needs.’

But she added: ‘The last thing we want to do is throw anybody out on the street. We will always be sympathetic to people but we have to strike the right balance between being sympathetic and finding the right housing for them. We want to make sure we have the correct people in the correct housing.’

Mrs Malarkey insisted the issue of people being in council homes that were too large for them was not a major issue in Douglas but that there were always those who flouted the system.

She said there had been no change in policy but the rules were now being more rigorously applied in relation to those residents whose names do not appear on the tenancy agreement – even if they have lived in the property with their family for years.

‘There are other people who need these properties. You shouldn’t have a single bloke in a three-bed house when there is a family waiting on the list to go in there.

‘In the private sector, if there is a lease and the person living there does not hold the lease then they have to move out. It’s exactly the same with the public sector.’

Douglas Corporation is responsible for a housing stock of more than 2,200 homes. Mrs Malarkey said the borough’s housing staff were working very heard to ensure that tenants lived in appropriate housing which met the right criteria.

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SIX foreign seamen have been stranded in Douglas harbour for three weeks.

Today’s Isle of Man Examiner has the story.

Inside we ask why would it be OK for Manx children to stand up on buses (as would be the plan for bendy buses) while the Welsh are making it compulsory for pupils to sit down and wear seatbelts.

We also look at the future of the Summerland site.

In politics we preview Allan Bell’s priorities, which he is due to lay out before Tynwald next week.

Talking of which, we look forward to the debate on student tuition fees in a two-page special.

We’ve also been on to the streets of Douglas to ask what people think about the idea of introducing an MoT-style test for Manx cars.

There’s also our usual comprehensive round-up of sport over the weekend.

The Isle of Man Examiner is the shops now.

Monday, January 7

Aquarius

(January 21 - February 19)

Not feeling very positive? Well, don’t knock yourself out or feel bad about it. There is a time for everything and this may be yours to take it easy. It won’t stop you from planning and looking ahead. Someone who is close to your heart may need encouragement and you are just the person to give it. Use research to give the best answers.

Pisces

(February 20 - March 20)

A lovely warm glow should still be with you following on from the holidays. This is a time to reassess your ambitions and make any adjustments. Although your plans may be influenced by how much cash is around, think in the long term. In the meantime boost your social life by taking up a hobby or joining a group. Life is not just about one thing. Keep a balance.

Aries

(March 21 - April 20)

Still have some leftover energy? Use it to impress your social circle. Let it be known what you are interested in doing and gather together like-minded people. As this is the best time of the year to start something new, decide what that will be. Get-togethers at a local music venue? A book club? Sports meetings? Maybe learn something different? The more enthusiastic you are, the more company you will have.

Taurus

(April 21 - May 21)

Throw yourself into a work project to stop it from being boring. Enthusiasm is both cheering to you and inspiring to others, so make the effort. Does the thought of starting something new daunt you? Why not find someone who would love to do it with you? A pretty busy week leads on to a restless weekend. Thinking of planning a trip? Delays could be less likely after the 17th.

Gemini

(May 22 - June 21)

Look around you this week, Gemini. What has outlived its purpose or become a bore? Move on and into a new situation. This is likely to be done by taking a fresh outlook rather than a physical move. This is also a romantic week when favours asked are likely to be granted. So, do you have something important to say? The New Moon at the weekend urges both enterprise and confidence.

Cancer

(June 22 - July 23)

Of course, there is much to do this week. However, take the time that you need if energy is low. Looking after yourself is important. Although you may feel confident about a work project, double check that there is not a better approach. With your popularity high, it is hard to resist doing a little bit too much. Be kind to yourself as well as others. The New Moon at the weekend could herald romance.

Leo

(July 24- August 23)

Getting to the bottom of a niggling question seems important. Ask the right person, however, and the results can be instant. This week is all about seeking out the best way to do things and the right way to find out. With energy low, using your brain rather than your brawn is the way ahead. Be prepared to stand by your word if a promise has to be kept. Be fair.

Virgo

(August 24 - September 23)

Enjoy this week with a burst of energy and enthusiasm. Something that you thought would be hard to get started soars away. Co-operation with others reaches a peak at the weekend and brings fast progress. Mixing business with pleasure seems to be working on the whole but watch out for jealousy. Still in the festive spirit? Get some friends together and have fun.

Libra

(September 24 - October 23)

The past is inspiring you. Perhaps you are delving into the family history or repeating a business success story? Although a plan may seem difficult to start, don’t dismiss it out of hand. Patience will be your best asset as the year progresses. This is especially true with regard to romance. When the time is right, it will happen. Not before, so don’t push too hard.

Scorpio

(October 24 - November 22)

New friends are on the horizon. Of course, you will have to let them know that you are interested. Do this by your enthusiastic help where needed. Look for bargains as the week begins. Social gatherings at the weekend are highlighted by the sharp New Moon. Be prepared to be the life and soul both at work and home. Take your time with a financial decision.

Sagittarius

(November 23 - December 21)

A little bit of imagination sees you solve a problem at work. A fresh start is highlighted by the New Moon at the weekend. What is outdated must now go and what is positive be encouraged. Your attraction ratio is very high and others are drawn to you. Ask now for something that you really want as you stand a good chance of getting it. Turn up the charm.

Capricorn

(December 22 - January 20)

Charm and charisma are yours in abundance. Using these in your social life brings new friends. Using them in your love life can really see the sparks flying! There are times at work when it is good to keep a low profile. However, if you don’t know the answer to something, find out! Remember that knowledge is power and you should be prepared for anything.

Just over 200 years ago, as the long-running Napoleonic Wars raged across Europe, the British Army under the great Duke of Wellington suffered one of the most disastrous periods in its history.

The catastrophic failure of the siege of Burgos in northern Spain in 1812 has been overshadowed in the history books by the series of victories that eventually drove Napoleon and his French army from the Iberian Peninsula two years later.

In the early years of the 1808-1814 Peninsular War, the British and their allies had suffered a series of defeats and retreats, including the infamous near disintegration of Sir John Moore’s army on the road to Corunna in 1809, but none of these setbacks was as grave or ignominious as the events at Burgos which the Duke of Wellington himself described as his ‘worst scrape.’

And it is this complex, gripping, but less than glorious, phase of the peninsular campaign that is brought back to life in Carole Divall’s latest study of the British Army of the Napoleonic Wars.

An English teacher with a special interest in military history, particularly that of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars, Divall has become an expert on regimental history, the workings of Wellington’s army and aspects of the key campaigns.

In Wellington’s Worst Scrape, she reconstructs the series of extraordinary events in close detail and brings together many primary sources, creating a vivid and enthralling account of what happened and why.

The year 1812 had begun well for Wellington... he had conquered of the border fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz and won a crushing victory in the Battle of Salamanca at the beginning of August.

But just three months later, his army had dragged themselves back through torrential rain and ankle-deep mud to the Portuguese border where their campaign had started eleven months earlier.

Between the August triumph and what in November looked like defeat lay the fortress of Burgos, the only one that had successfully resisted Wellington’s attempt to take it.

Both the failed siege and the retreat that followed involved stories of endeavour which embrace all that is best and worst in human nature.

Deeds of great courage and humanity were juxtaposed with cruelty, despair and the terrible excesses of indiscipline. And for the nations involved – Britain, France, Spain and Portugal – there was a great deal to admire... and much to deplore.

Wellington was all too well aware of the mistakes and miscalculations that led to the potentially catastrophic situation in which he placed his men, openly referring to it as his ‘worst scrape’ and yet most of the letters, journals and memoirs that have survived from the time only praise the skill with which he saved Britain’s army from disaster.

Divall weaves together Wellington’s despatches with the eyewitness testimonies of British and Portuguese officers and men, civilians and the French.

The result is a fascinating, multi-layered impression of the siege of Burgos itself and the sequence of manoeuvres that preceded it.

Using authentic detail, she describes the tense decision-making, the allied misjudgements and the headlong retreat that followed as the British fled from two French armies which threatened to trap and destroy them.

Wellington’s Worst Scrape provides an illuminating and exciting in-depth study of a pivotal and neglected episode in the tough Peninsular War as well an immaculately researched insight into the character of the fighting at every level, and into the strengths and weaknesses of Wellington’s command.

A welcome and erudite addition to the forgotten pages of British military history.

(Pen & Sword, hardback, £25)

THE Tommy Clucas Memorial Fund has reached its target of £378,000 to build a sports hall after a generous grant from the UK’s largest sports charity, Football Foundation.

The foundation has contributed £99,942 of the funding towards the project, which will enable the construction of an indoor community sports hall at Peel Football Club.

The funds followed a £45,000 grant from the Manx Lottery Trust.

Work on the sports hall has started.

JCK Limited took control of the site during December and the building project is scheduled to be completed by April 2013.

The committee is now switching its attention to raising monies for a contingency for the building project and to fit out and equip the facility.

The new sports hall will have an enclosed 40m x 25m third generation artificial grass surface with LED lighting, equipped to facilitate various sports, with associated facilities and a viewing area.

It is hoped that the Tommy Clucas Community Sports Hall will be used by local sports clubs, recreational youth/community organisations and the general community for sport and recreation purposes.

Tommy was a ‘son of Peel’, who played football for Peel and the Isle of Man national team.

Neil Cain, treasurer of The Tommy Clucas Memorial Fund and junior coach at Peel Football Club, said: ‘We are extremely grateful for the support given to us by the Football Foundation, which has pushed our project funding over the finishing line.

‘As a coach, I recognise the significant benefits that an indoor pitch facility will offer in the often harsh conditions we are exposed to on the Isle of Man.’

Since the Football Foundation was launched in 2000, the Foundation has awarded around 8,000 grants worth more than £420 million towards improving grassroots sport, which it has used to attract additional partnership funding of over £520 million.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: ‘I commend Peel AFC, The Tommy Clucas Memorial Fund and the Isle of Man FA for working tirelessly to secure this funding and I look forward to seeing the end result in the near future.

‘The Football Foundation is dedicated – with funding provided from the Premier League, The FA and government [via Sport England] – to raising the standard of grassroots community sports facilities and to getting more people actively playing the national sport.’

The Tommy Clucas Memorial Fund fundraising efforts have focused around community events, in particular the Peelstock music festival, which completed its seventh successful year in 2012.

The fund’s committee said:‘We would like to thank everyone who has contributed so far in making this project possible, and for the overwhelming support shown for Tom over the last eight years.

‘We hope that our local community will take great benefit from the project for many years to come.’

HALF a dozen expressions of interest have been received from firms looking to develop the former Summerland site.

Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK said he was pleased with the response but had yet to see the details of the submitted proposals – although he would like to see a leisure element to any chosen scheme.

What would you do with the site? Vote for your choice using the web poll panel at the right of this story

The former Summerland leisure complex has stood empty since the buildings were flattened around five years ago.

Previous attempts to develop the site, including proposals for a four-star Holiday Inn, have come to nothing.

Expressions of interest from would-be developers were sought again in November.

Commercial property consultants, Michael Chapman and Company, are acting on behalf of the government to sell the site using an informal tender process once the expressions of interest have been received.

First stage in the process required developers to provide basic details of their company including a brief outline of their track record, as well as details of what they might put on the site.

Next, for the actual tender, they will be asked to produce a more detailed scheme of the proposed development including sketches and extra information about such issues as the floor area, density and suggested time scales for the planning applications.

Mr Cretney said there had been six or seven expressions of interest.

He said: ‘It’s good that there has been some interest in the site. I’ve not seen the details. Obviously, these will be examined before officers come forward with recommendations.’

He conceded development was long overdue.

Mr Cretney said: ‘It certainly needs sorting out. It was my intention when the Summerland building was demolished during my time as Tourism and Leisure Minister, that there was prompt development on that site.’

He said there would be a ‘blank sheet of paper’ as far as options for redevelopment were concerned but added: ‘My own personal preference is for leisure use to be incorporated.’

The Department of Community Culture and Leisure (DCCL) advertised in April in 2010 to find a private sector partner.

Only one bid was submitted – a proposal for a four star Holiday Inn destination hotel with conference facilities, a fitness centre and swimming pool, a ten-pin bowling alley and 36 luxury flats.

But that bid was rejected and the DCCL said the government would get a greater return if the land was sold, with a price tag of £5 million. An option to purchase the MER depot was included.

No buyer was found, however. One stumbling block has been the cost of stabilising the cliff behind the site.

What would you do with the site? Vote for your choice using the web poll panel at the right of this story

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BUDDING astronomers are being invited to take part in a stargazing live event.

It will be taking place in Onchan Park tomorrow (Tuesday). Wednesday and Thursday from 7pm, weather-permitting.

You will be able to view the night Sky live with guidance from local astronomers. The Isle of Man Astronomical Society will be present with telescopes and binoculars.

Telescopes will be situated on the path between the boating lake and the golf course.

Children will need adult supervision and it is recommended that participants wear warm clothing.

THERE’S still half a year to go until the 2013 Manx Telecom Parish Walk already 156 people have entered.

The annual walk around the island’s 17 church parishes will start at 8am at the National Sports Centre in Douglas on Saturday, June 22. Anyone wishing to enter can do so online between now and the closing date of May 12.

The 24-hour, 85-mile walk – organised by Manx Harriers – covers 17 parish churches around the island and entrants can choose to walk part or all of the walk (subject to time restaints).

All enquiries regarding entries should be emailed to Liz Corran at mr_mrs_corran@hotmail.com

POLICE are investigating the cause of a fire in Port Erin on Friday night.

A number of people rang 999 after seeing smoke coming from a derelict guest house in Bay View Road.

Firefighters from the village had difficulty getting into the property because large items of furniture were blocking the entrance.

Once they got in, they found a well-established fire and called for reinforcements from Castletown and Douglas.

They feared youths might be in the property because they’d had reports of young people frequenting the premises.

Firefighters attacked the fire from the front and rear of the premises. It took more than an hour to control the fire.

They also faced added dangers such as holes in the floors.

A fire service spokesman said: ‘Fire crews had to use their experience, expertise and training to prevent this incident from escalating.and spreading to the adjoining premises and developing into a major incident.

‘Fire crews were on scene for nearly five hours dampening down and cutting away burnt material. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and is currently under investigation by the police.’

THE latest proposal regarding student fees misses the point.

That’s according to Andrew Shipley, who is branch secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers.

‘The principle at the heart of this issue is that a loan should not have to be taken out to contribute towards tuition fees,’ he said.

‘The reality is that at the end of a degree or period of postgraduate study, this move will mean that there will be an even bigger debt for those who have gone into higher education and their families, at a time when people are struggling, which some prospective students may view as unacceptable and so not go on to higher education.

‘Furthermore, if a loan is introduced then there is nothing to say that the proposed £2,500 should not be increased sooner rather than later to save yet more money.’

He said that figures have just been published in England which show there has been a sharp fall in university applications as a result of increased fees.

‘If there are increased numbers not going into higher education on the Isle of Man, what effect will this have generally and in particular on employment figures?

‘What strategy do we have for growth of the economy?’

Mr Shipley questioned whether the Department of Education and Children’s move to introduce a loan would achieve what it is meant to do.

‘There will not be an immediate saving as the money will still be paid out from the Treasury, with it being gradually paid back over an extended period of time,’ he said.

‘There will be an increased administration cost to government in terms of personnel at a time when we are seeking to reduce the scope of government and repayment will rely on being able to gather reliable data on salaries and being able to collect repayments.

‘The English government has estimated that the total amount outstanding as a result of student loans will be more than £80 billion by the start of 2017-18.

‘There are briefing papers such as Student Loan statistics – Standard Note: SN/SG/1079, which I hope our elected representatives will look at before voting about this proposal.’

He described education as a ‘long term investment in the future prosperity of the nation’.

‘This is backed up by research evidence from the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) which shows that “they’ll [countries] recoup this investment – and then some – through greater tax revenues from these higher-educated people, as well as savings from the lower level of social transfers these people typically receive”.’

FEES FACTFILE

Tuition fees for English students are capped at £9,000 a year.

Under the DEC plans most Manx students will pay a maximum of £2,500 a year towards their tuition fees. The Manx government will pick up the tab for the extra costs of more expensive medical, dentistry, veterinary and conservatoire music courses.

In all but a few universities, undergraduates are charged the same fee that would be charged to an English student attending the same course. But a number charge more – including Imperial College in London, Cambridge and Warwick, which will charge island students at international rates. Cardiff has advised that for certain courses the fees will be £12,000 rather than £9,000.

Manx students would have to pick up the balance – and in some cases could pay more than the English. It is possible that other universities may seek to charge more in future.

Scots pay no tuition fees while students in Wales and Northern Ireland pay £3,500. Tuition fees for English students are capped at £9,000 a year.

Under the DEC plans most Manx students will pay a maximum of £2,500 a year towards their tuition fees. The Manx government will pick up the tab for the extra costs of more expensive medical, dentistry, veterinary and conservatoire music courses.

In all but a few universities, undergraduates are charged the same fee that would be charged to an English student attending the same course. But a number charge more – including Imperial College in London, Cambridge and Warwick, which will charge island students at international rates. Cardiff has advised that for certain courses the fees will be £12,000 rather than £9,000.

Manx students would have to pick up the balance – and in some cases could pay more than the English. It is possible that other universities may seek to charge more in future.

Scots pay no tuition fees while students in Wales and Northern Ireland pay £3,500.

GOVERNMENT should be smaller, simpler and less bureaucratic.

That’s one of the principles that Tynwald will be asked to approve when it debates a Council of Ministers’ report on the reducing the Scope of Government at next week’s sitting.

A revised independent report into the Scope of Government was published back in the spring.

It was updated at the Chief Minister Allan Bell’s request by the review team, chaired by former Clerk of Tynwald Robert Quayle, which produced the original Scope and Structure of Government study in 2006.

The authors of the revised report concluded that some services should be contracted out to external operators or ‘corporatised’ i.e. run on a more commercial basis by government-owned companies. It also called again for local government to be restructured so that local authorities can take on services devolved from central government.

Now CoMin has come back with its recommendations.

It asked Tynwald to support the principle that government should be smaller, simpler and less bureaucratic - and departments, statutory boards and offices should look at all options for service delivery and choose the most suitable option based on a sound business case and the needs of the public.

They must review all service delivery functions by December 31 this year.

Where services remain in government, they will be delivered in the most effective way possible.

The CoMin report says services provided by local authorities should be wholly funded by local authorities.

Where a new model for delivery of services involves the transfer of staff to an external body, their existing terms and conditions will be considered and the transfer carried out on a fair and reasonable basis.

Where possible, if public services are to compete with the private sector, competition must be fair, with special care being taken to avoid cross-subsidising commercial operations from revenue funded budgets.

And where it is chosen to deliver a service using alternative means external to government, it will do so in a fair manner through a process of competition and in line with financial regulations.

When privatisation of an existing monopoly services is proposed, government would retain control of the capital assets.

CoMin will ensure all proposals put forward are considered on an individual basis and have appropriate political endorsement.

Working in partnership with local authorities, the Department of Infrastructure and Department of Social Care will identify services suitable for delivery through a revised local government structure and review how services can best be funded in the future.

Proposals for the reform of the two biggest areas of expenditure in local authorities – housing and waste collection and disposal – will be brought to Tynwald in the autumn.

But CoMin has concluded it will not support one of the recommendations of the scope report, saying it would not be appropriate to create a Department of Corporate Development at this time.

Ministers say they will not promote the implementation of TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) legislation at this time.

Unions have been pressing the case for TUPE, a piece of legislation that protects terms and conditions of employment if your employment transfers to another employer.

In a supplementary report produced by the independent review team earlier this year, the authors expressed concern that the government’s rebalancing strategy ‘may not be sufficiently ambitious’.

They controversially outlined a series of areas for major savings including phasing out or limiting the Manx pension supplement, rationalising hospital services in outlying areas, cutting grants for farmers and support for social housing and even mothballing or restricting the use of government facilities such as the Gaiety/Villa Marina complex.

They admitted these areas of major savings will be ‘contentious’ and prove ‘financially and politically sensitive’.

SINCE its launch in April 2011, trust and corporate service provider Knox House Trust Limited continues to flourish.

Managing director, Simon Duggan, said: ‘In what is only our first full trading year we have surpassed all of our targets.

‘We have captured significant market share in our chosen sectors and with the support of our entrepreneurial and passionate group partners, we have very quickly laid solid foundations which will underpin our future growth strategy.

‘As part of this continued strategy for growth in 2013 and beyond, I warmly welcome our newest recruits who I know will further complement and strengthen what is already an exceptional team.’

David Boyles, senior compliance administrator, has more than 15 years experience in the offshore finance sector and has held a number of key compliance roles with Isle of Man financial service institutions.

Rebecca Duke and Michael Stringer have both joined as trust and company administrators; Rebecca has more than five years’ experience in the trust and corporate service industry and Michael has just returned to the island having graduated from the University of Sheffield.

Harry Stewart has recently completed his A-levels and joins as a trainee trust and company administrator.

JOINING THE TEAM: Pictured from left to right are Rebecca Duke, Harry Stewart, David Boyles, managing director Simon Duggan and Michael Stringer

Iris Winston is a ‘good time girl’ and in 1950s London, there’s plenty of fun to be found in the clubs and bars of the city’s seedy but exciting East End.

Raised in a dismal flat in shabby Kilburn, Iris is an innocent abroad in a world where ‘toff voices’ sound like a foreign language, champagne is a standard tipple and holidays are taken in France, Switzerland and even far-off America.

But when you are a ‘diamond in the rough,’ an unpolished jewel just waiting for Mr Right to take a shine to you, the refreshing sparkle of innocence can attract the most dangerous men.

Jean Marsh, actress and co-creator of Upstairs, Downstairs and The House of Eliott, finds fertile new territory in the violent underworld of London in the 1950s and early 60s in this dark-centred novel which combines gentle romance with grim social realities.

Marsh is a perceptive writer and her powerful and dramatic story encompasses the full gamut of a young woman’s personal and sexual awakening in a society notorious for its gang violence and seedy manipulation.

In the post-war years, Iris, a look-alike for ‘it’ girl Audrey Hepburn, is struggling to find regular work so mixing with the fast set in London’s gambling clubs and private dining rooms is becoming an easy way to make money and friends.

For the corrupt politicians and criminals who run Mayfair as well as the East End, life has never been so good and Iris, with her innocent charms and good looks, is something of a novelty.

She isn’t quite a call girl but she doesn’t mind accepting a fiver to pay for the cab fare back to her family home, or little gifts, or champagne in heady and glamorous restaurants.

Iris is not without a certain street savvy and is slowly but surely becoming aware that she is living very dangerously. How long can she go on trading in ignorance and beauty?

When she meets Steve Brown, wheeler-dealing ‘businessman’ and fresh out of Wormwood Scrubs, Iris is on a slippery slope and soon finds herself plunged into a world of brutal gangsters, well known for their terrifying brand of violence.

And innocence and ignorance suddenly become outdated luxuries...

Rich in period detail and full of her usual vivid characterisation, Marsh’s compelling coming-of-age story cleverly recreates the life and times of 1950s London, as well as delivering a tender love story.

(Pan, paperback, £7.99)

ARMED with a bag of flip-flops, their divine intervention has helped scores of Christmas revellers get home safely.

But the Street Angels now need help themselves - after the number of volunteers slumped from an initial 30-plus to a determined core of just 12

And they have made an urgent appeal for like-minded volunteers willing to give up three hours of their time on a Saturday night to help those who, through their over-indulgence, are putting themselves and others at risk.

While it is a Christian-led initiative, new volunteers don’t need to be Christian themselves - so long as they are caring and non-judgemental and are willing to work anti-social hours for nothing.

Angela Southern,, 56, of St Mark’s, is one of the three Street Angels co-ordinators and has been involved in the Douglas Churches Town Centre Partnership project from the outset. It began on a trial basis last Easter and become fully operational in TT Week. Volunteers range in age from 22 to 75.

She said: ‘For a long time I’ve been a member of the Methodist Church but I got fed up with attending meetings and decided I would start doing something positive. I find it fulfilling - it’s nice to be out there helping people.

‘Street Angels started in Halifax and is now established in more than 100 cities and towns throughout the UK. We initially had 30-plus volunteers but for one reason or another we’ve really struggled and now only have a core of 12.

‘We are opening up applications from any individuals - you don’t have to be part of a particular church.’

It’s been a busy Christmas and New Year period for the Street Angels. But what reception have the volunteers had from festive revellers?

Angela said: ‘Douglas is not a bad town to be out on. People are generally out from a good night. There are happy drunks. Over the Christmas period some people have had one or more drinks than they should have done.

‘We’ve had no abuse from anybody. We’ve got really positive feedback. People are surprised that we are not getting paid for it. They appreciate it and have asked to have their photo taken with us, shaking our hands.

‘One of our volunteers said he’s had more hugs from young ladies at the age of 70 than when he was 17! There was one occasion where we came across a pregnant lady who was really drunk. It’s was so sad. We had to call the police to assist her.’

The Street Angels. who are fully trained before they go on patrol, are careful not to put themselves in danger. ‘If we see trouble we run the other way, We are not there to do the police’s work.’

Volunteers help people into taxis or contact revellers’ families to organise a lift home. A bag of flip-flop comes in handy for women walking bare foot after taking off their painful high heels, to avoid their getting cut on broken glass.

Angela says her son, who is 25, is OK about her patrolling the streets. She blames the slump in the number of volunteers on the anti-social hours with some willing to do the 9pm to 11pm shift but not wanting to work after midnight. Anybody interested in becoming a Street Angels can contact Angela by email at {mailto:ajsouthern@manx.net|ajsouthern(at)manx.net}

A PLANNING application has been submitted by the Department of Infrastructure to extend the life of the landfill site at Wright’s Pit North, at the Point of Ayre.

The site currently receives inert and mixed construction and demolition waste.

The existing planning consent requires landfilling operations to stop by December 31, 2014, and for the site to be restored by the end of 2015, in accordance with an approved scheme.

Under the DoI’s proposal, landfill operations would continue for a further five years, with a further year to enable the restoration to be completed by December 31, 2020.

The application (12/01671/B) and environmental statement were prepared by SLR Consulting Limited.

It explains: ‘Although landfilling is at the bottom of the waste hierarchy it is a fundamental element of any integrated waste management strategy, underpinning techniques further up the hierarchy such as recycling, recovery, etc.

‘While alternative technology therefore exists, and is utilised on the island the need for disposal facilities for residual wastes therefore remains.’

Waste disposal operations would continue at a projected input rate of about 2,500 tonnes per year.

Historically the site provided a facility for the disposal of residual hazardous waste, and it is submitted the need for this facility continues.

‘The site is an active permitted landfill, has an available void for future arisings with capacity to handle contingency events should they arise in the future.’

It says there would be ‘no unacceptable environmental effects arising from the continuation of landfilling operations at this existing facility’.

And it ‘would not lead to any further loss of habitat to that already permitted’.

In terms of the impact on the landscape, it says: ‘Whilst the application site is situated within an area designated as an area of high landscape value it is considered to have a low sensitivity to the type of development proposed due to its existing disturbed condition.’

The potential visibility of the operations would be confined to a limited number of locations including the coastal path to the north-west of the site and the A16 Bride-Point of Ayre road.

Any potential views from the northern fringe of Bride would be distant.

It is submitted the highway network will not be affected as due to the end of activities at the Point of Ayre civic amenity site future traffic levels on the surrounding road network will be ‘significantly less than in recent years’.

ISLE of Man Athletics Association has announced the under-11 sportshall team to represent the island at the North-West Counties Fun in Athletics Championships at Sport City, Manchester on January 20.

A squad of 15 boys and 15 girls will travel to the indoor athletics arena which is part of the spectacular Eastlands Sports Complex, home to the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

After some thrilling performances during the Autumn Sportshall Pentathlon events, hosted at each local athletics club, a large number of results were analysed to help determine which young athletes would have the honour of representing the Isle of Man at this exciting competition.

Selectors were also looking for athletes who show commitment to training, sportsmanship and teamwork. The standard of competition in the trials was exceptionally high with more than 60 per cent of the athletes taking part achieving the UKA Academy bronze award.

Regardless of scores and awards, the trials gave all athletes the opportunity to try their best but most importantly to have lots of fun.

The boys team will consist of Northern AC’s Glen Quayle, Deacon Lombard-Chibnall, Harry Read, Daniel Smith, Max Sibbald, Liam Smith, Callum Sherry, Fletcher Kneale and William Heavey. Western AC will be represented by Elliott Callow, Jack Gentry and Scott Moffatt, while for Manx Harriers there will be Craig Martin and Kyle Martin.

In the girls team no fewer than eight are from Northern AC, namely Millie Palmer, Phoebe Coates, Leah Goddard, Megan Lockwood, Leah Jay, Evie Crowe, Lydia Morris and Anna Lashley. Western AC’s Aalin Cain, Lea Dawson and Abby Foden-Williams will also feature, with Manx Harriers represented by Ashley Yates, Hollie Glassey, Robyn Wickers and Breeshey Jansen.

The team will now come together for squad training sessions throughout January to help build team spirit and allow the athletes from each club to get to know their team-mates in preparation for the competition.

IoMAA would like to thank Nedbank and Hamblins for their support.

If you would like to get involved with sportshall athletics, pop along to your local club’s indoor training sessions.

For children in the under-nine and u11 age groups there is the opportunity to represent your local club at the Isle of Man’s very own sportshall athletics championship.

Jude’s Sportshall event takes place on Sunday, January 27 at the main hall in the National Sports Centre, hosted by Western AC in fond memory of club member Judith Perriam who died several years ago.

For information about club training sessions, contact the athletics development officer on 688576 or email trevor.christian@gov.im

FORMER World Superbike Champion and Port Soderick resident James Toseland has launched a UK attempt to break the official world motorcycle land speed record – aiming to achieve a speed of at least 400mph.

On a tour of the University of Derby’s Motorsport engineering workshops last month, Toseland saw and heard about the motorcycle streamliner project aiming to break the current official Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) record of 376.363mph, held by American Rocky Robinson.

Commenting on the all-British project, Toseland said: ‘I am hugely excited about this record attempt, but I’m under no illusions as to how difficult it will be. I’ve been racing motorcycles for most of my life but this means learning a completely new technique in order to pilot the motorcycle streamliner.

‘The team involved with the project are amazing and really know their stuff, so I know I’m in safe hands in terms of the development. We’ve been in discussions about this for several months, but when I sat in the cockpit of the machine for the first time it all became very real.

‘If successful, this will be a fantastic personal achievement but also a great accolade to bring back to the UK.’

The all-British team’s record attempt – scheduled to take place at the globally famous Bonneville Salt Flats, in the USA, in September 2014 - is being led by former GP and TT sidecar racer, Alex Macfadzean. Alex is an engine development and dyno specialist, a former holder of the British bike land speed record and the first in the UK to record over 200mph.

His project will be heavily supported by staff and students on the University of Derby’s motorsports courses, among the best in the UK. Steve Hill, programme leader for FdEng and BEng (Hons) Motorsport Engineering, is already leading a team looking at design elements for the record-attempting bike.

Given the long lead times, the technical specifications for the machine are being kept firmly under wraps.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Robin Richardson said: ‘We are very fortunate to have such a skilled and experienced professional as James in the hot seat. Record breaking is a team endeavour with years of effort necessary before the vehicle ever turns a wheel. But when all the research and build work is complete, it’s James who will take our collective knowledge, experience and ambitions into the cockpit with him.

‘We couldn’t have got anybody better to do that as part of the team. We have been equally fortunate to secure the partnership with the University of Derby. It’s often said that young people in the UK aren’t interested in engineering, but here is a department and a group of students proving the opposite.

‘Many of them are destined for careers in top-level motorsport which shows that engineering is anything but dull.’

A ‘GREEN WAY’ road appears to have been deliberately booby-trapped.

Police in Peel have revealed details about an incident on a ‘green way’ road (a right of way that vehicles can use but which does not have Tarmac) running between the Switchback Road at Lhergydoo and the Staarvey Road.

On Saturday, a member of the public found a six-inch square piece of plywood with numerous two-inch nails protruding from it that had apparently been left intentionally on the track.

It is pictured here with a size 11 boot to give an idea of scale.

This follows a number of identical incidents of wood with nails being found on the same track over the past two years. The objects clearly have the potential to cause serious damage or injury to road users.

Constable Ian Scott is one of the officers investigating the matter.

He said: ‘This matter is being treated very seriously.

‘It is an offence to cause anything to be on a road that would be obvious to a reasonable person that it was dangerous to do so.

‘The offence carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to £5,000.

‘While we can only speculate as to the motivation of those responsible at this time, the objects are presenting a very real danger to users of the Green Way Road in this location.

‘Not only could the likes of pedal cycle and motorcycle tyres be damaged causing the riders to lose control, but walkers and livestock using the lane could equally face serious injury if the objects were stepped on.

‘Green way roads are a public highway and can be used by all concerned as long as they comply with legal requirements.

To date, this has been a very local issue to this particular section of lane and we are not aware of similar incidents occurring elsewhere on the Island but I would appeal to the public to be vigilant and to report such incidents to the police.’

Anyone who has information about this incident should contact Peel police station on 842208.

A reward may be payable as a result of your information.

You may also contact Isle of Man Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Crimestoppers is an independent Manx charity established to enable callers to pass information regarding criminal activity anonymously. Crimestoppers is not an agency of the police. Crimestoppers will never ask callers for any personal details.

PERMANENT parking restrictions are being considered for two residential areas of Ramsey.

One has already seen a resident raise concerns, though parked cars in the area have long caused difficulty for refuse collectors.

The Department of Infrastructure’s suggested locations for double yellow lines include at the junction of Lheaney Road with Killeaba Mount and at the junction of Westbourne Road with Westbourne Close.

At the Lheaney Road site the no waiting area would extend 18 metres from the east side of the junction and 22 metres from the west side of the junction.

On Westbourne Road the affected area is effectively the left hand side of the road leading towards Westbourne Close. It is this latter site that has provoked the most discussion.

Clerk to Ramsey Town Commissioners Peter Whiteway said that at the moment both sites are only in the consultation process.

He said from the commissioners’ perspective, if people park along Westbourne Road – which is a cul-de-sac – particularly on the bend that leads to Westbourne Close, refuse wagons aren’t able to collect bins.

In these cases, staff try to access Westbourne Close later on, or have to just leave those bins for that week.

‘We have said to the department we’d prefer to see the double yellow lines there,’ said Mr Whiteway.

‘If we can’t get up there the bins get missed. It’s not often but it does happen.’

He added: ‘The refuse wagons we use around town are quite a size, but are quite manoeuvrable. They can get out of Auckland Terrace behind the town hall. But the geometry of this particular bend means they can’t always get up Westbourne Road.’

At their December meeting, Ramsey Town Commissioners discussed objections that had been received to the proposed yellow lines along Westbourne Road.

Concerns were raised from a resident in the area that people who park their cars there presently will simply be displaced into the neighbouring roads and estates, making parking less available and potentially even devaluing properties in the area as a result.

The counter point was also raised at the meeting that if the bin wagons currently struggle to negotiate the road, there is also the concern that emergency services vehicles could also encounter difficulties, a point likely to have heavy bearing on the Department of Infrastructure’s decision whether or not to go ahead with the parking restrictions.

THE Western Swimming Pool is repeating the challenge to swim the distance of the TT course – 2,416 lengths – in just 12 weeks.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to swim the length of the course, you can either enter as an individual or as part of a team.

The pool held the challenge for the first time last year and a number of people took part.

The organisers are hoping that this year it will be bigger and better than last year.

Last year the challenge raised £3,130 towards helping the St John Ambulance Isle of Man Community First Responders.

The 2013 challenge kicks-off on Wednesday, January 9.

Although the event is run by the Western Swimming Pool, people can complete their lengths in any pool.

Some of the stand-out achievements during the 2012 TT swim challenge included Julian Barton finishing it twice; Julia Furner being first to finish the challenge in eight days, with Christian Cowin a few hours later at nine days; Dhoona Leece, 10, being the youngest in the individual swim category to complete the challenge; and Sorcha Osborne, 11, raising £1,000 on her own and presenting the Community First Responders with five Tetra radios on the awards night.

It costs £10 per individual entry and £15 per team entry.

The Western Swimming Pool is offering a discounted pool admission fee for people taking part.

To find out more email {mailto:ttswimchallenge@manx.net|ttswimchallenge(at)manx.net} or phone the pool on 842525.