Councillors and Douglas MHKs are to join forces and hold twice-monthly surgeries, starting this Saturday, October 7.

The surgeries will be run on the first and third Saturday of each month at the Sea Terminal from 11am to 1pm, with one councillor and one Douglas MHK jointly hosting the sessions on a rota system.

Council leader David Christian said: ‘The surgeries are born out of the council’s recently formed working group looking to identify how best to engage with its customers and the wider Douglas community.

‘We see the surgeries offering an opportunity for councillors and MHKs to meet the public, discuss the issues of the day and explain policy decisions and proposed schemes which may be close to many people’s hearts.

‘The sessions will also help to clarify the distinctions between the roles and areas of responsibility of local and central government. As for any issues raised that cannot be fully answered at the time, we shall take those away and respond to them in greater detail at a later date.

‘The council is committed to connecting with those whom it serves, listening and responding to the issues that matter to the people of Douglas. Already we have made considerable progress in making the council more easily accessible to the public - online and via our social media channels - but we and our partners in government recognise that no digital offering can ever, and should never, replace face-to-face communication.

‘With this in mind I shall be hosting the inaugural surgery this Saturday, October 7, together with Ann Corlett MHK, for what we hope will serve as a useful forum where people can air their concerns and which affords us an opportunity to learn more about those we represent. That, I believe, is true democracy in action.’

Surgery schedules will be posted on the council’s website douglas.gov.im and Facebook page.