Councillors at their latest meeting received an update on the state of run-down areas around the capital.

A particular area of concern was the lane by Villiers Square, which had been discussed at previous meetings.

Councillor Betty Quirk wanted to know if it was monitored for tidiness.

’Last time I was down there, there appeared to be old oil containers lying around. And what sort of artwork is going to be used on the hoardings?’ she asked.

The Manx Independent has previously reported plans to place artwork on the hoardings around the Villiers Square site itself to improve the appearance of the area.

Ritchie McNicholl, chairman of the environmental services committee, which monitors run-down areas in the capital, said: ’The hoarding art work is nothing to do with us. They are going to contact the owners to discuss what is put on it but something needs to be done sooner rather than later.’

Byelaws officers are to be alerted about the state of the lane to assess if action can be taken for breach of byelaws.

Councillors were told the Villiers Square area was monitored, and the area would be subject to a further notice if there was no sign of progress with the artwork in the coming weeks.

Hoardings around the former Athol Hotel site on Regent Street were also a source of concern to councillors but they were told this fell beyond their remit.

They heard that the hoarding was there to protect the land and prevent accidents that could result from members of the public attempting to climb the steel structure supporting the property adjacent to the site.

Responding to questions raised by various councillors, Councillor McNicholl noted the Nook - the former convenience shop at the bottom of Quarterbridge Road - had been tidied up and now looked considerably better.

He also noted concerns voiced by a number of members about the state of number 12, Derby Square.

’We believe this is dependent on the result of a planning decision at the moment,’ he said.