Hard times for villages cut off by snow

Villages in the west of the Island worst hit by the snow remain cut off (Sun 24 March) some without road access or electricity.

Road clearing teams and MEA engineers have been working round the clock to clear routes and restore supplies but it could be another 48 hours before they reach some remote communities.

The Department of Infrastructure says it made good progress yesterday in difficult conditions, opening a single track to Kirk Michael from the north although there is still no breakthrough from the south on the coast road.

Work will continue today (24 March) to clear roads to Glen Maye and Dalby, Ballamodha, Braaid and Foxdale but the DoI says it may be 'many days' before they get through to Cronk y Voddy where there are snow drifts of 10 feet in places.

Diggers and snow ploughs will also move into some of the worst affected housing estates in the west, north Douglas and Onchan.

The mountain road, Creg ny Baa back road, Ballamohda, Peel coast road, Cooil roundabout road to Braaid and Peel to Dalby road remain closed.

The Manx Electricity Authority says its priorities today are Kirk Michael, Ballaugh and Jurby.

Supplies to Barregarrow, Sartfield and Fleshwick are expected to be restored by Monday night.

But the MEA says it is likely to be Tuesday before the areas of Ballacallin to Lhag, Cronky Voddy, Glen Helen, Ballaholly to Ballacrye and parts of Abbeylands are re-connected.

Isle of Man Airport is open as normal, however there may be delays and cancellations to flights due to weather conditions at other airports. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for further information.

Sea conditions have improved over the weekend and the Ben my Chree sailed to Heysham and back overnight. Today's services to Heysham and Liverpool are due to sail as scheduled.