Local food van 'disappointed' not to be visiting Castletown after offering 42 dates

A local mobile catering van says it's 'disappointed' not to be visiting Castletown due to a dispute with the local authority.

Filbey's says it offered the commissioners 42 dates for the year, and after a number of emails the local authority returned with six that they could operate on.

It also offered to meet with the board to discuss its offering to ensure it wouldn't 'step on any toes'.

But it confirmed due to prior bookings, including weddings and the TT fortnight, they're unable to operate the pop up.

The dates offered coincided with the Balley Cashtel market, who Filbey's believe it would have to liaise with separately to ensure there was space for them.

Castletown Commissioners says it was 'happy' for the food outlet to have their mobile unit in Market Square, but the decision not to was 'made solely' by the business.

It adds that the leisure committee had been in correspondence with Filbey’s for 'some time' regarding the request to operate.

It claims an email was sent on the 17 February with the dates listed, which was responded to and rejected on 11 March.

Filbey's added it received an acknowledgment of the email and promptly put their statement on social media.

Co-Owner Jess Reeder-Katsipis says they have 'no malice' towards the local authority and 'would love' to go back to Castletown.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Jess, along with Scott and Adele Filbey - listen to the full interview via the Manx Radio Newscast below: