The closing down of a major Douglas promenade hotel for the winter has been followed by a scorching attack on the Government and its record in backing the tourist season.

Sleepwell Group are closing the Rutland Hotel on Queen Promenade down for the winter.
It will re open on April 2nd next year.
Adrian Barsby Managing Director of the Group says they cannot afford to keep three hotels going throughout the winter.
Mr Barsby said the company had invested 20 million pounds in the Island in the last few years but the number of tourists coming at this time of year and through the winter meant the move was financially necessary. Those with booking at the Rutland have had trier booking moved to other hotels.
Mr Barsby said it was time a wake up call was sounded to the Government to produce much greater co operation between the private and public sectors.