Two businesses have stepped up to help Douglas Council’s key workers to deliver essential services and keep Douglas running during the pandemic.

Auto parts supplier Motaworld has donated fast-acting in-cab diffuser sanitisers and bottles of sanitiser for crews to use in the council’s waste collection vehicle fleet.

And John McCallum, of High Access Window Cleaning Services, has volunteered to clean public lighting columns and street furniture in the IM2 postcode area of Douglas free of charge.

Motaworld’s Debbie Kelly said: ’We’re delighted to be able to do something to help our local community at this difficult time.

’These sanitiser kits will help to protect the council’s frontline workers, and we have also donated them to the police force and ambulance service. We just can’t thank them enough for all their hard work and dedication.’

Mr McCallum said: ’I was inspired to do something for our community when I was out walking with my family.

’I noticed how many people were touching lamp posts, bus shelters and litter bins around Braddan.

’As I’m a window cleaner by trade and have the reach and wash system in my van, I thought I would like to offer my help and clean these areas. It’s been my pleasure to assist the local community.’

Douglas Council’s environmental services committee chairman, Ritchie McNicholl, said: ’On behalf of the council, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Debbie and Maurice Kelly and to John McCallum for their generosity and community spirit.

’Their kind donations of materials and time will be much appreciated by our hard-pressed key workers as they grapple with protecting the capital at the same time as they and their families - like us all - are experiencing the strain of adapting to a very different way of life.’