New home for department suggested

It's time for a government department to relocate to the north of the Island, according to the chairman of Ramsey Commissioners.

Brian Beattie is praising the Department of Agriculture for its planned relocation to a purpose built £5.2 million corporate headquarters building at St John's.

He says it's good to see someone taking the initiative and making the move away from Douglas.

Mr Beattie (pictured) says a move to the north would ease traffic congestion in the capital, and he believes there is a suitable building available (play attached audio file):

Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne is delighted construction of the new DAFF headquarters is due to start next month.

He says it will be ground-breaking in design and will ultimately save tax payers hundreds of thousands of pounds in rental costs.

More on Friday's Mandate.