This week’s Manx Independent leads with the story that despite a Freedom of Information request, transport chiefs have not provided the evidence that there is a contract requiring them to operate horse trams during the promenade regeneration works.

In its place we got some travel brochures and a UK piece of legislation.

We question whether there really is a contract.

Inside:

An environmentalist group dedicated to fighting to save the planet now has a local branch on the island.

The ACU has been accused in court of trying to paint TT crash survivor Steve Mercer in a bad light.

Prison governor Bob McColm appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.

Two famous waterwheels are out of action, we find out more.

A Manx biker has announced the arrival of his baby boy just days ahead of competing in this year’s Ulster Grand Prix.

A seal has been spotted in Manx waters entangled in plastic or rope, the fourth in just three months.

Castletown Festival and Peel Carnival have both been hailed a success despite numbers being down on last year.

It looks like the end for a Port St Mary sports club.

Two UK newspapers have been full of praise for the island and its natural beauty.

This year’s weapons amnesty has been a success according to the officers in charge of running it.

Food and Farming with Julie Blackburn looks ahead to this weekend’s Royal Show.

Two men have been jailed after stealing meat and alcohol from local shops.

A professional boxer will have his endurance tested to the limit in a 24-hour continuous circuit effort for charity.

An extraordinary girl from Douglas is all set to take part in the 2019 Super Hero Series Tri event later this month.

Pictures and coverage from the Peel traditional boat building competition.

Island Life leads with the play which will be heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival next week, after a one-night performance in Douglas this weekend.

Sports this week includes full results of the Cycle 360 international races.

The Manx National car rally looks set to carry international status for the first time next May.

Rugby and Springbok legend Bryan Habana is coming to the island for this year’s coaches festival. And much more

Plus Business News, court news, Island Life, the Isle of Man’s What’s On guide and a seven-day television guide.

There’s also readers’ photographs, your letters, and lots of community news.

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

But you don’t have to go to a shop to buy a copy.

You can also read it online if you buy the digital edition.

To find out how to buy it, go to the ’Digital Editions’ section of the website on the grey line near the top of this site.

www.iomtoday.co.im/subscribe.cfm

And we also now have a podcast. Visit https://audioboom.com/channel/iomnewspodcast to find out more or look us up at @iomnewspodcast on Twitter or Instagram.