While senior Manx politicians and 'the suits' of the business sector engaged in a bout of community self-depreciation last week it seems the view of the Isle of Man from more objective quarters is less critical.

Treasury Minister Allan Bell last week claimed the Island's capital had a run-down market town image and that vibrant regeneration in competitors like Jersey was leaving the Isle of Man 'in the dust'. Right on cue the Islands Chamber of Commerce always ready to jump on any passing bandwagon joined the criticism.

However others see things differently and outspoken North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom was more generous in his assessment of Mann's environmental aesthetic.

Speaking via a posting earlier this month (October 12) in his online 'blog' ( (voir le site) wales.police.uk/portal/blogs/cc/default.aspx) Brunstrom remarks:

"The Isle of Man has a more French approach. The place is clean, tidy and smart – and obviously regularly and consistently tidied up. They care, and the pride shows, just as it does in France. And they have created the same aura of calm and order. So it can be done, even in a very British culture. It is about noticing, and caring, and then doing something about it." and he adds:

"The relevant WAG (Welsh Assembly Government) Minister is seeking devolution to the Welsh Assembly of powers to deal with environmental protection, in part because she rightly recognises that fear of crime (a serious problem in our society) is exacerbated by litter and untidiness.

If she is successful in her negotiations in Cardiff and Whitehall then we may shortly see 'Measures' (Welsh primary legislation) aimed at improving the quality of life in our urban environment. Perhaps Welsh towns and villages of the future will look more like France and the Isle of Man, and less like Liverpool airport. I certainly hope so."

Manx nationalists have frequently called over the years for a 'clean-up' on the Island but their concerns are focused more on hidden corners of its financial services sector than on any perceived grime or litter in its Capital!

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

22/10/07

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