It's time for a government department to relocate to the north of the Island, according to the chairman of Ramsey Commissioners.

Brian Beattie is praising the Department of Agriculture for its planned relocation to a purpose built ?5.2 million corporate headquarters building at St John's.

He says it's good to see someone taking the initiative and making the move away from Douglas.

Mr Beattie (pictured) says a move to the north would ease traffic congestion in the capital, and he believes there is a suitable building available (play attached audio file):

Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne is delighted constuction of the new DAFF headquarters is due to start next month.

He says it will be ground-breaking in design and will ultimately save tax payers hundreds of thousands of pounds in rental costs.

More on Friday's Mandate.