Manx Newscast

The vice-chair of Peel Commissioners says a contested election for the board's vacant seat means residents can have a 'choice' over who represents them. The local authority has one empty place available after Katryna Baptist was voted into the House of Keys in September. Residents wanting to stand for Peel Commissioners must have their papers submitted by 1pm tomorrow (4 November). If more than on...

A new sports club says it wants to support and create a new community in Noble's Park and across the wider Island. Manx Padel has spent two years developing six courts on the former netball and tennis courts. The facility launched officially on Saturday (31 October). The club has one fully accessible padel court, but the other five also have ramp access to the entrances. It also has floodlights at...

It's hoped a new project to level out the football pitch on Peel's Headlands will help reduce anti-social behaviour in the town. It's being undertaken by Peel Commissioners to ensure the space is better used and to give young people a place to go. The local authority says the space isn't widely used at the moment. Soil will be moved from an area higher up to fill in the areas of the football pitch...

The Island's first Housing and Communities Minister Rob Callister MHK sits down to discuss his new role and ambitions with Sam Turton.

The drop off of visitor numbers in quieter months is what 'does the damage' to the Island's accommodation sector, according to the chief executive of a local hotel group. Brett Martin of Palace Group Holdings says Manx hotels are at a disadvantage compared to their UK counterparts due to the lack of domestic tourism. He's been speaking to Manx Radio following comments from political member for the...

Lewis Foster speaks to Countdown champion and Isle of Man resident Hazel Drury.

Lewis Foster speaks to Peel RNLI crew members Mike Faragher, Juan Owens and Neil Moore.

As a court orders for Onchan's ballots to be recounted after this summer's General Election, Sam Turton sat down with Manx Radio's political correspondent to discuss the possible ramifications and whether changes are needed to how we conduct elections.

St John Ambulance's Isle of Man branch is to have a new Dame Commander invested at a special service this weekend (Saturday 31 October). Samantha Crookall's promotion to the rank has been sanctioned by the Sovereign Head of the Order, His Majesty, King Charles. In this edition to Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Samantha and John Gill, retiring Knight Commander.

Lewis Foster speaks to Isle of Man Victorian Society Founder Peter Kelly ahead of his talk 'Evolution' on Saturday 30 October - all about the organisation's rich 50-year history.

Julie Edge speaks to Manx Radio about her petition to the high court which will see a full recount carried out of Onchan's votes in the general election.

Douglas Council says changing the date of its fireworks display was not down to 'bad organisation' on its part. It will now take place in Douglas Bay at 7pm on the 26 November instead of on Bonfire Night (5 November). The local authority says it's due to issues 'affecting the transportation' of the fireworks to the Island. Manx Radio understands Mezeron ships the fireworks. The company has been co...

The treasury minister says whether additional support packages are needed over the winter months on the Isle of Man will be kept under review. Michael Crowe has been reacting to the UK's Budget, which was announced yesterday. Measures such as a VAT cut to electricity bills and fuel duty apply to the Island automatically, but many other announcements don't. He also discussed his first couple of wee...

After storms saw one of Port Erin's beach huts taking a swim in the bay, owner Kathryn Hodgson spoke to Sam Turton about the impact the storms had on her business, the way people and businesses rallied to help and her plans for the future.

Street cleaning, waste collections and budgets are just some of the issues prospective Garff commissioners will have to manage. The local authority is having a by-election to fill in the empty seat on its Laxey Ward which is vacant following Richard Henthorn's election to the House of Keys. Nomination papers must be returned by 4 November - if more than one person stands polling will take place on...

Victim Support says it will continue to provide help and guidance to the family of a murdered teenager. The charity has been working closely with the loved ones of 14-year-old Christopher McBurnie. The Castletown boy died in Ramsey on 29 May last year after being stabbed. On 23 October a 16-year-old boy was found guilty of his murder following a four-week trial at Douglas Courthouse. Lorna Treveth...

Douglas Council says it wants to encourage residents from all backgrounds to stand in the upcoming by-election. It has one available seat in its South Ward following the departure of Karel Ver Elst and nominations open on Wednesday 28 October. Forms are available at the city hall or on the council's website and must be returned by 1pm on 4 November. Leader Devon Watson says there are a number of r...

Douglas Council says it has introduced 'anti-fragile' systems to help it manage consequences of severe storms. The local authority is urging residents to 'take precautions' to protect their property including securing loose outdoor items including bins and trampolines. An amber weather warning has been issued by Ronaldsway Met Office due to Storm Boe which could see gusts of up to 70mph. Leader De...

A campaigner who threatened to take legal action against the Isle of Man Government should the Assisted Dying Bill get Royal Assent says he's 'considering his options'. Graham McAll is from Manx Duty of Care, a campaign group which is against Assisted Dying. He's been speaking to Amy Griffiths:

Ramsey Commissioners says prospective by-election candidates must 'care' about the town and improving it for the better. The local authority has three vacant seats - one after Juan McGuinness was voted into the House of Keys and two due to resignations earlier this year. It's also planning to hold a drop-in session for residents interested in joining the board. Chair Sandra Cottam-Shea says potent...

Arbory and Rushen Commissioners say there are 'so many opportunities' available to people who stand to join the board in an upcoming by-election. There's one seat available after Kirrie Jenkins was voted into the House of Keys in September's General Election. The local authority is inviting prospective candidates to a public meeting, at 7pm tonight (21 October) at Halley McLiag in Ballabeg, to lea...

Douglas Council and Dublin Council have signed a 'friendship agreement' with the hopes of promoting a 'closer co-operation' between the two cities. The Lord Mayor of Dublin Darryl Barron and Mayor of Douglas Steven Crellin signed the agreement at a ceremony this afternoon (20 October). The local authority believes it will help strengthen links for young people, businesses and community organisatio...

The head of an Isle of Man company that provides cyber security services is urging Manx businesses to check whether their website uses the programming language PHP. It comes after a flaw was discovered in the language, which is estimated to be used by 60 to 70 percent of websites. Chief Executive of the Manx Technology Group Joe Hughes says those who aren't sure whether they're affected or not sho...

A parent group on the Isle of Man calling for others to delay giving their children smartphones says its numbers are growing rapidly. What started out as a Facebook group known as 'Delay Smartphones - IOM' has now joined forces with a UK movement known as Smartphone Free Childhood. It asks parents to sign a pact; to not give their child a smartphone until the age of 14, and social media until they...

Lewis Foster speaks to assisted dying campaigner Sue Biggerstaff following confirmation that the Isle of Man's assisted dying act has received royal assent.