In the wake of severe gale to storm-force winds coupled with an extreme high tide in Douglas on Tuesday January 26, the leader of Douglas Borough Council David Christian has praised the efforts of the Council’s cleansing, parks and housing teams in clearing extensive amounts of debris from Douglas Promenade.

The high tide at 12.39pm saw the road closed and extensive debris – rocks, stones, sand and other detritus – deposited on the road and walkway, and left the gullies blocked.

Councillor Christian said: ‘The teams had to work in extreme weather conditions alongside their opposite numbers in the Department of Infrastructure - to clear the road, pavements and gullies, and their work was hampered by the number of parked vehicles along the length of promenade, but thanks to sterling work by everyone involved the road was re-opened at 5pm.

‘The Island has suffered from exceptionally adverse weather recently, such as in December when, once again, storms challenged our workforce. On behalf of the council I should like to pay tribute to our cleansing, parks and housing teams for their unwavering commitment and hard work in serving the Douglas community, especially motorists and pedestrians, whatever the conditions and helping to ensure people’s safety.’