Ramsey Commissioners support government plans to develop a community hub at the town hall.

Town clerk Peter Whiteway told members about a recent meeting with representatives of the Cabinet Office.

They told him that the government wanted to provide access to government services within local towns and communities for those people who prefer a face to face service rather than using digital options.

The aim, in short, was to establish three hubs outside of Douglas i.e. in the north, south and west, with the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal already offering a ’front door to government’ service.

The northern facility would initially be staffed by a team member from the Welcome Centre.

The government’s aim was to be flexible and able to adapt to people’s needs based on public consultation once the hub was up and running.

For the past 18 months, a social security benefits counter operates at the town hall on Tuesdays.

The commissioners were all behind the move.

Juan McGuinness said he welcomed the extension of services to the north.

Chairman Andy Cowie added: ’While it’s only a very small step, we welcome the link.’