GARFF: ‘£500 gesture is a drop in the ocean’ – Laxey petitioner

The £500 payment promised to all those affected by the floods in Laxey is a ‘nice gesture, but a drop in the ocean compared to what’s needed’.

That’s the verdict of former commissioner and local businessman Andrew Smith, who’s helping villagers compile evidence on how their homes were affected by the devastating weather event.

It comes after Chief Minister Howard Quayle announced that money would be made available to help with ‘immediate recovery costs’.

Mr Quayle has also commissioned an independent review into the exceptional weather, which is something Mr Smith had petitioned for.

At a public meeting in Laxey last night (11 Oct), the chairman of Manx Utilities, Dr Alex Allinson apologised to residents who’s homes had been wrecked in the floods.