HERITAGE railway bosses have defended plans to spend £400,000 on a replacement diesel loco from Eastern Europe - claiming it will pay for itself in 13 years and help make savings of almost £40,000 a year.

Community Culture and Leisure Minister Tim Crookall admitted the original proposals to design and build a new engine were hard to justify in the current financial climate.

He said the cheapest alternative option ‘by far’ was to buy a full-refurbished 30-year-old Romanian-built L45H diesel, which if Tynwald approval was given at next month’s sitting of the court, could be delivered in about 18 months’ time.

The Minister said he would be asking Tynwald for approval to spend £350,000 of capital funds in addition to the £50,000 that had previously been agreed for the design of a new diesel.

He said: ‘I have explained the key facts to members of Tynwald already so that we can have an informed debate and now wish to do the same for the public. Using a five per cent cost of capital, we calculate that the loco will pay for itself in 13 years. Annual savings will be almost £40,000. With a minimum life of 20 years this proposal is one that makes good financial sense.’

Public transport director Ian Longworth insisted that only 20 per cent of visitors to the line were diehard enthusiasts or interested in railways - for the remaining 80 per cent ‘steam engines are not the main attraction’.

He explained that the two second hand diesel locos currently on the railway had a destructive effect on the track. One was geared up to travel at four miles a hour and the other was a shunting engine built for a different gauge.

Purchase of a ‘main line’ diesel would allow it to be used to recover broken down trains, bank heavy trains, shunt carriages and provide a speedier response to lineside fires.

It would help reduce running costs by eliminating the need to have a spare locomotive in steam and would be available to pull works trains and potentially also be used for a commuter service which is not currently considered viable using a steam engine.

Mr Longworth said the type of diesel proposed to be purchased was designed to run on a range of different gauges so could be altered easily to run on the Steam Railway’s 3ft track.

But to fit the line’s tight loading gauges, the engine would need drastic modifications. It would be ‘cut off’ at the underframe, a new transmission unit fitted and two lower cabs fitted at each end. These works would be carried out in Romania or Hungary but a new air brake system would be fitted after delivery to the island.

Mr Longworth was asked whether a cheaper alternative would have been a engine from the 3ft gauge Bord na Mona peat railways in Ireland. But he said such engines were too light for the Steam Railway’s purposes.

Chief executive of the DCCL Nick Black said he understood public concerns about spending this sort of money at a time when public services were being cut. But he said the department had responded to those concerns by coming up with an alternative that was half the cost of a new engine.

The Minister said that since the failure of the Viking diesel, it had not been possible to recover passengers or fulfil the timetable when steam locos have failed in service. ‘This isn’t an unusual occurrence. We have a long record of repairing what we already have but there comes a point when that’s no longer sensible or even possible. By reducing the specification to the bare minimum and identifying a second-hand loco with a new engine and transmission we’re confident we’ve found a cost-effective way to meet our needs.’

Rain and strong winds force 48-hour delay on cycling event

THE start of the Giro de Jurby stage race has been postponed this evening (Friday) because of the rain and forecast of strong winds.

Organiser, Steve Shimmin, is now looking to run the entire event on Sunday.

DANNY McCanney has won the Under-23 title in the British Sprint Enduro Championship for the second year in succession.

After two undisputed wins in the final rounds at Canada Heights, Kent over the weekend, the young Manxman is the clear winner of what has been the hottest-contested title in the series.

The Gas Gas UK rider also celebrated number one status as the top performer across all classes in the series, recording two outright wins and consistently placing top-three outright.

It was an amazing weekend for the Manx. Alex Rockwell was runner-up both days to McCanney in the u23 class and Danny’s brother, Jamie McCanney, returned from injury to dominate the 125 Youth class.

Danny was on top form to take his two wins, finishing second fastest overall to visiting world enduro star Matti Seistola.

‘This is the best I’ve ridden all year. I’ve had a three-week break and came back hungry to win. I felt good, everything flowed and had no issues,’ said Danny who paid tribute to his bike. ‘All we did throughout the weekend was change the front tyre. I couldn’t want for more.’

Midwest Husaberg UK rider Rockwell started the day lightning fast on his TE250 and produced an excellent lap time seven seconds faster than McCanney and was only to be bettered by Seistola in the elite class.

Alex maintained his lead over Danny until lap three when the rear-brake hose broke. The pair continually pushed each other to go faster and were consistently faster than the rest of the UK riders, only beaten by Seistola.

Alex ended the day just behind Danny in the u23 class and third overall.

Sunday was similar Seistola, McCanney and Rockwell again showing their world class speed to beat the rest of the riders by well over one minute. Rockey finished the BESC series as u23 runner-up to Danny and u23 E2 class champion.

Jamie McCanney made a welcome return to competition after his lay-off with injuries sustained in the opening round of the World Enduro Championship in Chile.

He showed that he has lost none of his speed on the Midwest Husaberg UK TE125 to win the 125 Youth Cup class by over one minute on day one, repeating the result on day two, although he was struggling with his fitness by the end of the day after not riding since March.

He finished third overall in the 125 Youth Cup championship, despite missing four rounds, winning every event he rode in.

l Danny McCanney is currently riding the Welsh Two Day Enduro, which started in Llandrindod Wells this morning (Thursday). Also competing is the Southern MCC quartet of Robert Quayle in the over 50s class, Robert Wilson in the clubman and Stuart Christian and Nathan Richards in the sportman class.

The two McCanneys and Rockwell are off to Italy on Tuesday to prepare for the next world round, where they will be joined by David Knight.

ALEX Stokoe of Cronkbourne Cricket Club has been named as the first Standard Bank Player of the Month for the 2012 season.

The Tromode all-rounder beat off stiff competition from Akkie Van Den Berg (St John’s), Tom Reader (Valkyres), Garreth Roome (Castletown) and Ollie Webster (Ramsey) to claim the April-May award, which includes a £50 sports voucher, a Standard Bank cricket hat and a certificate.

Chris Till, Director of Standard Bank, commenting on the announcement said: ‘There were a number of strong nominations for the first award of the summer and we would like to congratulate each on their achievements.

‘It was a very close decision but after deep discussion and deliberation the panel decided on Alex for his excellent performances throughout the period which included a century and 3 for 22 in the victory over Ramsey in the Standard Bank Premiership as well as 18 wickets at an average of 6.3.’

Standard Bank Isle of Man CEO John Coyle said: ‘We are pleased to celebrate our long-term partnership with the Isle of Man Cricket Association as we mark 20 years in the island and join our colleagues around the world in celebrating our 150 year heritage.

The high standard of cricket played in the island is something we are proud to be associated with and there is an exciting season in prospect for local clubs in the adult leagues and cups.’

The Player of the Month award was launched three years ago to recognise individuals who make an outstanding contribution in a match or who display a consistently high level of performance.

During the season four awards will be up for grabs by players nominated by the IoMCA.

Earlier this year, Standard Bank renewed its ongoing sponsorship of the Association for the 17th year as part of the bank’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

THIS weekend’s Manx Telecom-sponsored Parish Walk looks set to be the most open contest in years.

For a decade or more now, Jock Waddington, course record holder Sean Hands and five-time winner Robbie Callister have dominated the pre and post-event headlines, but the emphasis has now diverted to three other individuals for the latest edition.

Michael George has been knocking on the door of a win for many years and is thoroughly deserving of a Parish title.

All too often the wheels have come off his challenge in the closing miles, as they did last year when he slumped to 125th place, but the Welbeck Hotel owner has switched his training from fast 20-50km pace to longer distance with coaching from twice former winner Graham Young.

If he can avoid the mid-race sickness that has all-too-often plagued him, he is likely to be right in the mix again this Saturday.

Irishman Vinny Lynch has proved a very capable Parish Walker over the past three or four years and, as runner-up to Waddington last year, he should, in theory at least, be the man likely to take over the mantle from Jock.

Lynch was not overly impressive in the Sara Killey Walk a couple of months ago, but he also pulled out of the previous year’s event (along with Waddington) at Bride and they went on to finish first and second in the big one.

Vinny’s a wily character and will fight to the bitter end, so don’t discount him taking it if it comes down to a head-to-head over the final 15 miles or so.

The third tip for a podium is Richard Gerrard, the younger of the three by some way, who I firmly believe will win a Parish Walk in the next two or three years.

He is a smooth, extremely efficient walker who has steadily improved in recent events and clearly has the speed to carry it off.

If I had to put my money on one of the three I’d probably go with Richard as he has age on his side and proven recent ability over the more varied terrain after winning last September’s End to End with some style.

Behind the lead three, there are half a dozen more in with a chance of picking up the pieces if they fail.

Leading them has to be the ever-popular Robbie Callister.

Undoubtedly the fittest 57-year-old in the island, Robbie would dearly like to equal John Cannell’s record tally of six wins and possibly still has another win in him.

But he knows that he lacks the out-and-out pace of the above trio and will rely on consistency to get him through - especially if the weather is mixed, as it looks likely to be.

Relieved that the spotlight is now finally off him slightly, I do neverthless expect Callister to finish at least one place higher than the fifth he managed last year.

Ahead of him on that occasion was Englishman Richard Spenceley, who has served his time well in recent years and could break into the top-three if any of the fancied men fail.

Perhaps the hardest of the tips to predict, Spenceley could be the one most likely to spring a surprise.

If my memory serves me correctly, Terry Moffat vowed never to walk the Parish again after last year’s event, but the tough man from the Lhen is back for more and looking stronger than ever.

Moffie’s couldn’t-care-less attitude - eating chips, smoking fags and swilling cans of beer - belies his true ability as a long-distance walker. He has been training well and possesses the gritty determination required to drag him through when the going gets tough.

Other hard men sure to be vying for a good result include Stephen Harvey, Tony Okell and Dave Walker, along with Maurice Bellando, Marathon des Sables finisher Mike Readshaw, Chris Cale, Jonathan Wild and Julian Thomas.

Former winner Peter Kaneen is a total enigma. On his day he is still quite capable of finishing on the podium, but his recent love-hate affair with the Parish has been unpredictable and inconsistent to say the least.

It would be nice to see him finish again - he’s won on two of the four occasions he’s gone all the way round - but his tendency is to fade out after his regular competitive distance of 20 to 50km. Perhaps this could be his year to get round again?

Dutchman Martijn Biesman looks likely to be a non-starter because of injury, but others in with a chance of a top-12 must include 24-hour man Andrew Titley, training partner and fellow southerner Eammon Harkin, Andy Green, Andrew Gosnell, Dick Callin, Dave Mackey and Peel’s ever-improving Les Webb.

The women’s entry outweighs the men’s in numbers for the first time in the event’s history and the favourite appears to be last year’s winner Maureen Moffatt.

The Andreas woman has been training hard and will take some beating, but back in the frame is former multiple winner Sue Biggart.

Sue has apparently said that she is out to enjoy the event with no pressure and would be happy to make it to Peel, however anyone with the ability and speed that she possesses will want to go all the way and get a good result if she possibly can.

If Sue feels good after 30 miles, she may buckle down and go for it in the second half from Ballaugh. Who knows?

Samantha Draper is a very strong and determined young woman. She normally walks with her mum, Marie Gilbertson, but last year she strode clear in the closing stages to notch up a finishing time of 18hr 40min 21sec - a little over 20 minutes behind winner Moffatt. She could comfortably improve on that time and is therefore likely to start as the outside bet for the win.

Others to watch out for include Gillian Cunningham, Jane Foster, Shirley Gage, Pauline Ringham, Bernie Ball and a real dark-horse Karen Lawrie, who walks extremely well and looks set to knock lumps off her maiden finish if she gets round the full 85 miles again.

One snag, she does most of her training walking and pushing her kids backwards and forwards to school so she may be lost without a pram or a child in hand!!

THERE is a change of venue for the opening round of the Summer Solo Trials Series on Sunday organised by Ramsey MCC.

Because of the incessant rain, the event has been switched from Ballamoar Farm, Ballaugh to Tholt y Will Quarry . Same time, 1pm for 2pm start, three routes expert, clubman and sportsman.

PROCEED with caution. That was the overwhelming message from Tynwald members this week as they debated the possibility of privatising some government services.

Chief Minister Allan Bell successfully asked members to note that the Review of the Scope of Government report, and another report containing further comments from the team behind it, had been received and noted by the Council of Ministers. Mr Bell said the debate was a valuable chance for members to air their views on the contents of the reports and his motion welcomed those views, along with those of the public.

The Scope of Government report recommends many government services be privatised, contracted out to the private sector or corporatised (retained in government ownership but operated on a commercial basis by an arms-length company). Suggestions include mothballing the Villa-Gaiety and phasing out the Manx pension supplement. Most members agreed change was needed but had differing views on how it should happen.

Chairman of the Civil Service Commission Alfred Cannan (Michael) said he believed workers’ terms and conditions must be dealt with before anything else. For instance, he said some redundancy payments he had recently signed off on had been ‘extortionate in comparison with those that would exist in the private sector’. He said those kind of pay outs ‘could be a block to any corporatisation or privatisation’ as a private company wouldn’t want to take on existing staff on existing terms and conditions.

Juan Turner MLC said he agreed with the concept of privatisation but said nevertheless he did not believe it was necessarily a viable option in a small island community. He said, for example, the National Sports Centre was a facility that would not necessarily exist elsewhere for a population the size of the island’s. He said it would be cost-prohibitive for a private company to run such a facility as it is run now. His Council colleague Dudley Butt agreed with Mr Turner that certain services run by government, like the NSC, were special cases.

Overall, the idea of corporatisation seemed to garner more support than outright privatisation.

Another concern raised by a number of members was that in trying to cut back, more bureaucracy would be created, particularly in the arena of local government. Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan warned new legislation could be required to allow a private company or local authority to take on a role currently borne by central government.

Graham Cregeen (Malew and Santon) said any service level agreements put together as part of a privatisation deal would have to be fully scrutinised and leave more wriggle room than, for instance, the user agreement between government and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for the exclusive use of the linkspan.

MANX-registered space expedition firm Excalibur Almaz says is ready to sell tickets to the Moon – yours for a stellar price of just £100 million.

The first 800,000km round trip to orbit the Moon in a converted Soviet-era space capsule could launch in 2015.

Details were announced at space tourism conference held at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London where Excalibur Almaz (EA) founder and chief executive Art Dula revealed: ‘We’re ready to sell the tickets.’

One of the re-entry capsules drew big crowds when it was put on display in Westminster this week - providing some out of this world publicity for the Isle of Man.

The company has bought four re-entry capsules and two space stations from Russian firm NPO Mashinostroyenia. Two of the Almaz space stations, which were designed as observation platforms by the Soviet Union during the Cold War era, are stored in a hangar at Jurby Industrial Estate along with a space capsule.

Budding astronauts will be launched by rocket to a space station in low-Earth orbit. From there they will be continue into the Moon’s orbit, taking them 234,000 miles from home.

The trip which could last up to six months and would be a very different prospect to those offered by Virgin Galactic, whose craft will provide only a few minutes of weightlessness at just 60 miles up.

Addressing the conference about the markets and opportunities for private space expeditions, Excalibur’s chairman said: ‘The EA fleet has flown to space several times and will undertake many more missions. It contains vessels of a design that have spent thousands of hours in space.

‘This is scientific fact, not fiction. This is a private expedition, it’s not tourism. It’s like the expeditions to the South Seas years ago that made Britain so rich.’

Tickets for the historic first flight will cost about £100m, with the price falling to about £50m after 10 years. Adventurers will have to submit to six months of full-time training.

Excalibur Almaz this week signed a memorandum of understanding with California-based XCOR Aerospace for suborbital flight familiarisation using its Lynx vehicle for pre-mission training for Excalibur Almaz expeditions,

The Isle of Man has been named as the nation fifth most likely to man the first mission back to the Moon.

The Liberal Vannin Party has hit back at the Chief Minister after he sacked Peter Karran from his position as a government minister.

In a statement released this afternoon (Friday) the party says: ‘The Liberal Vannin Party is in no way attempting to get the decision to sack Mr Karran as Minister for Education and Children reversed, however the Chief Minister has made various statements regarding this situation that Liberal Vannin are now commenting on and/or rebutting.

‘After the numerous questions and Motions tabled in respect of the film industry and its finances over a number of years by Mr Karran and more recently Mrs Beecroft, most people would readily acknowledge that a pre-stated position was obvious.

‘However, in order for exemption from the rules of collective responsibility to be allowed by the Chief Minister, a Minister has to declare a pre-stated position in the Council of Ministers meetings.

‘The Chief Minister has stated that Mr Karran had not declared his pre-stated position. This is incorrect. It was declared and accepted during the meeting on 17 May but unfortunately it was not recorded in the Minutes of that meeting. Mr Karran has documentary evidence to support this statement. He also acknowledges that he did not notice the omission until after the Minutes had subsequently been approved.

‘This whole affair has highlighted, to many residents, that our parliamentary system is not fit for purpose. After a general election, Tynwald members (including the unelected members of Legislative Council) elect a Chief Minister from the recently elected MHKs. Whoever is so elected then has the power to appoint and dismiss all Ministers and departmental members. They are all then governed by the rules of collective responsibility subject to certain exemptions, a pre-stated position being one. The Council of Ministers, in effect, becomes a political party and one that is formed after the election with no mandate for its policies by the electorate and with its leader, the Chief Minister, in total control.

‘Liberal Vannin has always maintained that this is a crucial element of our system that needs to change.

‘The decision made by the Chief Minister to sack Mr Karran, also highlights how different Chief Ministers choose to exercise their power so it would appear to be discretionary rather than obligatory. The article below shows that the then Chief Minister, Donald Gelling, chose to exercise his power with a lighter touch.

http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/dissenting_minister_keeps_job_1_1775843

‘The issue at that time, October 2001, was about a proposed burial site for foot-and-mouth infected animals. The then Home Affairs Minister, Allan Bell, had no pre-stated position and had supported the plan in the Council of Ministers’ meeting. After the meeting “he changed his mind” and voted against the proposal and was partly responsible for the failure of the motion.

‘Mr Karran says that he understands that the Chief Minister had to take this action to maintain discipline within his own party members (the Council of Ministers) but this will not prevent Liberal Vannin from working with government when they are right. He went on to say, “We are in extremely difficult financial times and we will continue to support government when it is in the interests of the Isle of Man”.

‘Liberal Vannin maintains that, regardless of who is Chief Minister and how they exercise their power, decisions under the current system are subject to the personality of the Chief Minister and is nothing more than a “one party state by patronage”.’

The lengthy statement continues: ‘Chief Minister, Allan Bell, is also misinformed in his claims that it was the leadership of Liberal Vannin that “forced” Mr Karran to vote against the motion. Mr Karran is the leader of the party so it can only be assumed that the Chief Minister is actually referring to the party executive.

‘The motion regarding the Pinewood Shepperton deal was on the Order Paper for the Tynwald sitting on June 19 and the Chief Minister informed Mr Karran, on June 14 that he was not allowing exemption from collective responsibility and that, if he voted against it, he would be sacked.

‘The Liberal Vannin executive had been consulted on Mr Karran’s acceptance of a Ministerial position so it was only proper that they should be consulted on the possible losing of that position and an urgent meeting was called by the party chairman for June 15. The correct position is as stated in our press release dated 16 June in which we stated: “The executive have requested that the Party’s parliamentarians, Minister Peter Karran and Kate Beecroft MHK, to take whatever actions they deem necessary and appropriate to gain sufficient information to enable them to support the motion or, if this is not possible, to table an amendment that the entire issue be scrutinised by the Public Accounts committee prior to the signing of any agreement or the purchase of any shares.”

‘Whilst it was only the executive that were consulted about the possible loss of Mr Karran’s ministerial position, all branches had voted at the recent branch meetings to support the Liberal Vannin MHKs in whatever action they chose to take but that, on the information available, the preferred course of action was that stated in the original press release (relevant excerpt is in the previous paragraph). It is only members of the Party that have a right to vote on such issues but these meeting are open to the public who are encouraged to take part in discussions.’

Roy Redmayne, party chairman, stated: ‘The idea that Mr Karran was forced to vote against the motion is ridiculous.

‘He had a pre-stated position and, quite rightly, stuck to his principles. His decision was a parliamentary one and he had no requirement to even discuss this with the executive but he wanted to hear the executive’s views as it could, and has, led to the party losing its only minister.’

There will be more on this story in the Isle of Man Examiner on Monday.

REGULATIONS on clamping vehicles were approved by Tynwald on Tuesday.

Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK said the regulations were necessary to avoid ‘unfortunate circumstances so prevalent in Great Britain where rogue cowboys clamp vehicles on suspecting motorists and charge as much as £400 for their release’.

The Road Traffic (Immobilisation of Motor Vehicles Off Highways) Regulations 2012 set out that a maximum of £60 may be charged for the release of the vehicle – the same as a fixed penalty notice.

They also set out the warning notice that must be displayed on land – off highways – and the manner of its display.

A maximum fine of £1,000 can be issued to those who break the regulations.

Douglas East MHK Brenda Cannell questioned the regulations when clamping was not permitted in the island. But Mr Cretney said the law had existed since 1985.

Her question on whether there was an appeal mechanism for motorists was not answered.

Onchan MHK David Quirk said he was concerned motorists would be ‘caught out’ and left ‘frustrated’. Mr Quirk and Mrs Cannell both voted against the regulations.

• What do you think? Email opinions@newsiom.co.im

THE founder of the Manx language educational charity that has been awarded the contract to run five island pre-schools admits the new venture presents a ‘big risk’.

Education officials announced last week the names of the private operators which will take over once the state withdraws from pre-school provision after the summer.

Mooinjer Veggey that has jointly run the Manx language Bunscoill Ghaelgagh in St John’s together with three nurseries in conjunction with the Department of Education, has won the contract to run five of the pre-schools - Ashley Hill, Ballacottier, Ballasalla, Manor Park and Willaston.

Phil Gawne MHK, chairman of the Mooinjer Veggey, said the five pre-schools would cost £10,000 a week to run. He said: ‘We’ve budgeted fairly tightly to keep the costs down. It’s a fairly big risk to the charity.

‘It’s crucial we get the numbers of people - but we are confident we will get the numbers. We’ve had a good response to the adverts in the newspaper last week so I don’t think there will be a problem.’

Mooinjer Veggey has issued redundancy notices to all 10 of its existing staff. These will have to be re-recruited for the new expanded service. Four to five new staff may need to be taken on - but the charity will have to lose one of its teaching staff.

Mr Gawne explained: ‘Because of the uncertainty that existed up until now we have to have lay off all our staff and issue them with redundancy notices. We are now hoping to re-recruit them ready for September. We will keep most of the staff if they apply but we are going to lose one teacher.’

The Department of Education previously provided an annual grant of £240,000 to cover all Mooinjer Veggey’s cost of teaching and nursery staff and basic administration for the three nurseries it ran.

Those costs will now have to covered by the fees charged to parents for the pre-school sessions but Mr Gawne said the charity had been able to keep costs down by reducing the number of teaching staff. Two full-time and two part-time teachers are currently employed but this number will be reduced to two full-time equivalent.

‘A nursery nurse costs £20,000 less to employ. There is quite a saving that can be made there. But parents want to have teacher input. There’s going to be a week per setting with a nursery nurse and a teacher swapping locations around.’

Mr Gawne said charges had been kept to a minimum. Three-hour morning sessions will cost £12.50 if a child has four or more sessions a week, and £1 extra if less than four.

He insisted he had ‘no involvement whatsoever’ in the decisions to award the contracts to the private operators.

As a Minister, he said he had to respect the decisions of the Council of Minister but he did have concerns about the education department’s plans to withdraw from pre-school provision.

A £3 MILLION private jet hangar at Ronaldsway is rapidly taking shape – and is on target to be open for business in August.

Work is under way on an impressive new business aviation centre and executive hangarage facility located at the northern side of Ronaldsway airport.

The Private Jet Company, which is behind the project, describe it as a new gateway to the island,

It will include a VIP lounge, main reception offices, dedicated handling team available 24 hours, dedicated security administration designed to give minimum delay to passengers, business conference facilities, crew lounge, 2,000 sq metres of hangarage space, 2,000 sq metres of apron area, customs and immigration clearance, computerised flight planning and filing and wireless internet access in all areas.

The office and executive terminal have been erected and the hangar is currently being cladded.

Company director Caly Roberts said the aim was to complete the development by the end of the summer.

‘The rain has not marred the development, and whilst our weather has been a bit dreary, it has not dampened our enthusiasm to complete the development by the end of the summer,’ she said. ‘We are still on target to occupy and commence operations in August.’

RECOGNISING the importance of visitors to the economy of the area, the Laxey Regeneration Committee’s newest venture is a 15-seat bus linking the village’s main attractions.

A four-week trial of bus route began last week, underwritten by the Regeneration Committee, Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust, Laxey Commissioners and Manx National Heritage.

If after the trial period the initiative is deemed to be economically viable, the financial reins will be handed over to coach company Tours to operate commercially.

Based on operating on an average 30 per cent capacity, it is hoped the bus link will break even, though success will be gauged on the benefit to the areas retailers.

The bus operates five days a week, Monday to Friday, and run every 20 minutes from 10am to 4pm.

It connects the centre of Laxey, where people arrive by tram, coach or car, with the Laxey Wheel, Woollen Mills and promenade.

Temporary signs show the route and request stops. Bus fares for the full route – valid for a day with the opportunity to get on and off at any of the stops – £1.50 for adults, £4 for families, £1 for senior citizens with a bus pass, and £1 for children

Speaker of the House of Keys and chairman of the regeneration committee Steve Rodan said: ‘The link bus is attracting lots of passengers, but it could take more. We want as many people as possible to try it out and give me or the commissioners comments about how it is working for them and whether we should continue.’

He added: ‘The whole purpose of regeneration schemes around the island is to breathe life back into retail centres in towns and villages. We’ve asked our retailers to monitor customer numbers and sales during the trial period of the bus service.

Regeneration manager Linda McCauley said: ‘Regeneration isn’t just about new buildings, it is about the community getting behind ideas to make their towns and villages more economically viable.

‘To me Laxey already has the things other towns and villages would want to create; woodland areas, the beach, and distinct attractions like a functioning woollen mill, the Laxey Wheel and the gardens. Laxey is like a Disneyland!

‘It is all very spread out though. From the wheel to the beach is a hill of about a mile and a half!

‘The link bus will help people get around, and therefore be able to spend more time in the area.’

She added: ‘Making more of the economy is done sometimes through environmental improvements and sometimes through getting people from one end of the village to another.’

Elsewhere, regeneration initiatives in the area may include work on the tram station and neighbouring rose garden, after planning applications were submitted this week.

The regeneration committee hope to oversee work that will enhance the visual appeal of the tram station and rose garden, and create a more attractive and usable Whitehouse Square, to make the area more accessible for all abilities, to increase safety for pedestrians with improved walkways, and to bring more light into the area by removing diseased trees, thinning saplings and raising the canopy of some of the trees.

Mr Rodan also revealed there were plans to work on the coach stop, near Ham and Egg Terrace, to make it more recognisable and improve links.

He added: ‘We’re also looking into new landscaping, and more attractive signage around the village, ‘street furniture’ as it were. But right now the focus is getting feedback on the bus link service. Use it or lose it!’

THE 2012 Manx Telecom-sponsored Parish Walk got under way at 8am today when around 1,600 entrants left the NSC track with the aim of meeting their target distance.

Walkers are expected at the following times: Santon 9.30 to 11.30am; Malew 10.15am to 12.30pm; Arbory 10.30am to 1pm; Rushen 10.45am to 1.35pm (will remain open until the last walker arrives); Patrick 1pm to 5pm; Peel/German 1.30 to 5pm (remains open until 6pm for finishing only); Michael 2.30 to 7pm; Ballaugh 3pm to 7.50pm; Jurby 3.45pm to 8.45pm; Bride 5pm to 10.50pm; Andreas 5.30pm to 11.45pm; Lezayre 6.30pm to 1.25am; Maughold 7.30pm to 2.50pm; Lonan 9.30pm to 6.50am; Onchan 10.15pm to 7.30am; Finish/War Memorial 10.30pm to 8am Sunday.

Various roads on the Parish Walk route are subject to partial closure during the day. These include:

B37 Clannagh Road, Marown/Santon, from its junction with the St Mark’s Road to its junction with the A5 Douglas to Castletown Road at Newtown, closed from 9am to 10am.

B38 Orrisdale Road, Malew, from its junction with the A5 Douglas to Castletown Road to its junction with the A26 Glen Vine to Ballasalla Road, closed from 10am to 12.30pm.

A20 Derby Road, Peel, from its junction with Atholl Place to its junction with Albany Road, closed from 12.30pm to 5.30pm.

This year the title is definitely up for grabs with winner of the previous four walks, Jock Waddington, not competing.

Likely to be challenging at the top are Michael George, Vinny Lynch and Richard Gerrard, while favourites for the women’s race are Maureen Moffatt, Sue Biggart and Samantha Draper. Read John Watterson’s full race preview {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/isle-of-man-sport/spotlight-changes-on-parish-walk-favourites-1-4672688|here|Parish Walk Preview}.

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{http://live.sportident.co.uk/home/event/coursecontrolsummary.html?eventid=fa29cedc-7c94-4f64-939f-a448fead19d8&mobile=false|Click here to see how the competitors are getting on as the day progresses with Manx Telecom’s live timing facility|live timing}

ISLE of Man Bank will be opening its branch in Regent Street, Douglas, tomorrow (Sunday) in light of ongoing technical problems being experienced across the NatWest group.

The branch will open from 11am to 3pm to assist customers with enquiries, and NatWest and RBS International customers will also be served.

An Isle of Man Bank spokesperson said: ‘Unfortunately we are once again experiencing technical issues with our systems and account balances have not updated properly overnight.

‘This means where money has gone into a customer’s account, there may be a delay in it appearing on their balance.

‘We can assure our customers that this problem is strictly of a technical nature and we continue to work hard to resolve this. We also recognise this is an unacceptable inconvenience for our customers, for which we apologise.

‘Staff in our branches and at our telephony centre are ready and available to answer any questions and help where they can.’

The 2012 Manx Telecom Parish Walk ended in spectacular fashion this evening (Saturday) as the two leaders crossed the line together, and in record time.

Vinny Lynch and Richard Gerrard crossed the line just after 10;42pm, with a record breaking time of 14 hours 42 minutes and 32 seconds.

Michael George was third with a time of 14 hours 47 minutes and 11 seconds.

Around 1,800 walkers left the National Sports Centre in Douglas at 8am in the morning and the majority of the race took place in wet conditions.

Return to iomtoday on Sunday for a more comprehensive report, plus video footage from the start and finish lines.

BARCLAYS employee Bal Jandu has presented Junior Achievement with a cheque for £1,000 after she was awarded the bank’s 2012 Citizenship Award which attracts a cash prize to be donated to the winner’s charity of choice.

Mrs Jandu was nominated for the award in recognition of her volunteering work for Junior Achievement, in particular her central role, along with colleague Serena Heathcote, in leading a series of workplace open day sessions with secondary school students designed to provide young people with an insight into real-life work situations.

Mrs Jandu is an ardent supporter of Junior Achievement and has trained and coached a number of her co-workers to volunteer for the charity that aims to encourage entrepreneurial spirit in young people and prepare them for the world of work.

She also has the distinction of being the only person to date to have completed Junior Achievement’s Community Volunteering Qualification (CVQ), the island’s first accredited qualification for volunteering.

She said: ‘I have been volunteering with Junior Achievement since 2010 and thoroughly enjoy making a positive difference to our future generation.

‘In today’s society it is crucial we work together to provide young people with hope, confidence and exciting opportunities to learn more.’

Junior Achievement’s chief executive Sue Cook said: ‘We’re enormously grateful to Barclays for its continued support and to Bal for her passion and dedication that help bring our programmes alive and inspire students to become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. We’re also delighted for Bal that her motivation and commitment have been recognised with this well-deserved Barclays Citizenship Award in which we are pleased to be able to share.’

More workplace sessions are planned for 2012. For details contact programme manager Joy Spence, 666266, joy@jaiom.im.

Junior Achievement Isle of Man, Suite 2, Peterson House, Middle River, Douglas. www.jaiom.im

A MINISTER told Tynwald he had no reason to be dissatisfied with the Steam Packet’s efforts to recruit Manx workers.

But Economic Development Minister John Shimmin said he would investigate claims that the ferry operator had not advertised for staff at the island’s job Centre for two years.

The concerns were raised by Leonard Singer (Ramsey) who maintained only 10 per cent of the crew of the Manannan were Manx workers and the rest mainly (other) Europeans.

Mr Singer asked the Minister: ‘Some of the European workers actually have never worked on a ship. Should they not at least try to recruit more numbers on the island?

‘Is he also aware that the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company have not advertised for staff [at the Job Centre] for two years? Does this not seem to be a deliberate policy to exclude Manx workers?’

Mr Shimmin said there was no obligation on the Steam Packet to recruit Isle of Man workers at sea but the company had more than 100 staff on the island, of whom only four hold work permits. At sea, it has 105 workers, 42 being Isle of Man workers. For the summer season, it has recruited six seasonal workers, all of whom are Isle of Man workers.

‘On this basis, I am not aware of any reason to be dissatisfied with the efforts of the Steam Packet Company to encourage the recruitment of Isle of Man workers.’

Mr Shimmin said with the Manannan being only a seasonal operation some Manx workers may be disincentivised to take on a part-time job. The fact that posts had not been advertised at the Job Centre did give him cause for some concern. ‘I will investigate that.’

HOLIDAY venture schemes run by the Department of Education and Children’s youth service have been extended following feedback from young people and parents.

Bookings are being taken for the activity schemes, designed to keep youngsters occupied during the summer holidays and help working parents.

Fees have increased by £10 a week to cover the extra staffing required but it is hoped they will still be accessible.

A general activity scheme will take place at Cronk-y-Berry School, Douglas, in the weeks starting July 23 and 30 and August 6 and 13 for children in school years four to seven (ages eight to 12. Last year the scheme was only offered for three weeks.

Activities will include crabbing, crafts, badminton and den building.

A breakfast club and after club session will again be on offer from 8.30-9am and 4-5pm.

There is also a senior scheme for those in years seven to nine (ages 11 to 14). It starts at Cronk-y-Berry at 9am but will involve activities around the island making use of youth centres in inclement weather.

Youth worker Grainne Burns said: ‘Last year the favourite activities were crabbing games in the glens. Although these are sometimes the same activities that the younger children do, the emphasis on self planning or developing games is more evident.

‘It is generally about the whole social experience, meeting new people from around the island and developing new friendships.’

These schemes cost £90 a week/£20 pear day, with an extra £6 a day for the breakfast and after club session.

There is a performance week (£120) for years four to nine (ages eight to 14) at the Youth Arts Centre, in Kensington Road, Douglas. This is a singing and dancing extravaganza with a performance for parents on the last afternoon.

This year’s play will be a musical production of Going For Gold.

In addition, adventure education based at Ardwhallan Outdoor Education Centre are on offer in the weeks starting August 6 and 13 for young people in years seven to nine (ages 11-14).

Activities include archery, kayaking, climbing and coasteering. It costs £125 a week/£25 a day.

For more information call 686057 or go to {http://www.iomyouth.com.iomyouth.com}

DESPITE the economic downturn there still seems to be plenty of construction work going on in the Isle of Man – that’s the view of government building control manager Siamack Rowaichi.

Admittedly there has been a reduction but there are still plenty of projects from a new equestrian centre at Santon to a new aircraft hangar and offices at Ronaldsway, not to mention the usual small scale domestic projects around the island.

Mr Rowaichi’s job is to oversee building projects and ensure they are safe and conform to the various building regulations concerning things like fire safety, drainage, structure and materials used.

‘Most of the time people go for something a bit better but as money becomes tighter they sometimes try and go for the minimum then our work becomes harder,’ he said.

For a time the big St Ninian’s lower school building project at Onchan was one of their major responsibilities.

‘Major considerations with schools are fire – positioning of fire doors and fire escapes and fire proof building materials – and accoustics so things like exams are not disrupted for example by music lessons.’

Slightly different fire criteria had to be applied to the prison when it was built, because of the obvious conflict between security and ease of egress.

Sustainability

Other considerations becoming more important are conservation and sustainability of building materials and the ease with which a building is not only erected but also taken down, with materials recycled in the future.

At Ronaldsway, the new hangar seems to have sprung up in a matter of weeks. The concrete floor is almost complete and a huge metal superstructure is being fitted with cladding and insulated.

‘This comes almost like a kit,’ Mr Rowaichi said.

‘The sections are made then it is literally bolted together on site. One of our jobs is to examine every one of the holes you can see there up near the roof and make sure there is a bolt in it.’

At Ballavartyn, Santon a big equestrian centre is well under way with stable blocks, a covered international standard arena, exercise and dressage areas. The access road even has a central reservation and the complex has its own electricity sub station.

Site engineers are working on the stable block foundations before the superstructure is slotted into place. It has to be accurate to within about half an inch, and of course it must conform to the plans Mr Rowaichi says.

According to Mr Rowaichi the job satisfaction is in seeing plans come to fruition.

‘You do get horror stories like the householder in Port St Mary whose builders took out supporting walls. The bath was unsupported too. If she had sat in it she would have fallen through the floor,’ he said.

‘But it’s nice to see a project through to the finish and being outside when the weather is good is a major attraction. It appeals to the child in you to be in the open air.’