MHK issues plea to save Cosy Nook

An MHK has issued a plea to save a historic Island building from demolition.

Speaker of the House of Keys, Juan Watterson MHK, who also represents Rushen, has written to DEFA Minister, Geoffrey Boot MHK, calling for the Cosy Nook in Port Erin to become a registered building.

It comes after Port Erin Commissioners backed a motion last week to knock down the building which has been vacant since May last year.

A planning application for a replacement beach-side venue is currently under consideration.

In his letter, Mr Watterson says: "The Cosy Nook is one of the founding buildings of Port Erin and sited around the historic St Catherine’s well from which early residents drew fresh water. In addition, the building has been used for many years as an iconic tourism destination.

"We think the Cosy Nook may be unique in the British Isles in its combination of heritage cottage building, outdoor beachside café, and location almost on the beach.

"This building is under imminent threat of being lost forever, and we ask you to consider registration as a matter of urgency."