The ‘undemocratic behaviour of a minority of ratepayers’ is being cited as the reason behind the resignation of the chairman of Laxey Commissioners.

David Owens is standing down - disappointed at opposition to redevelop a recreational area in the village – a scheme which has caused some residents concern over the affect it could have on their rates.

However, while Mr Owens understands such a concern, he says – unlike the initial forecast at a requisition meeting in April - the project will now NOT lead to a rate rise and misinformation going around the village has altered some people's perceptions.

Pictured is Laxey harbour courtesy of manxscenes.com