Teams 'working hard' to reopen glens after storm

Teams have been "working hard" to restore access to damaged Manx glens after recent storms but some remain closed, the government has said.

Friday's Storm Éowyn saw storm force winds hit the island causing widespread damage to trees.

That followed on from December's Storm Darragh, which left thousands of trees in unstable positions.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) said confirmed Ballaglass Glen in Maughold and Laxey Glen were now open, but inspections were ongoing in others.

The department confirmed that Bradda Glen and Headland in Port Erin had reopened but Glen Mooar on the west coast would stay closed.

While Ballure Walk in Ramsey was under review, Glen Helen in the west of the island and Tholt-y-Will Glen in the north remained closed, it said.

December's storm saw severe gales reaching 82mph (132km/h) cause extensive damage to the island's glens.

A Defa spokesman said Storm Eowyn had "created further damage" and the teams were "working hard to reopen these popular venues and appreciate the public's patience".

The department also advised tree and landowners to "check the state of their trees for signs of damage, cracks, snap-outs and movement at the root-base".

Under the Tree Preservation Act, a licence to fell a tree is not required if the tree has fallen over or snapped or the the roots are showing, it added.

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