Douglas town centre could lose five big-name shops if a UK retail giant cannot be saved.

We look at the implications in this week’s Manx Independent.

We also exclusively reveal plans to build a new tip and to shut another.

Also this week:

Tributes to Hector Duff, the 101-year-old war hero who died earlier this week.

The island is preparing for the biggest mass vaccination programme in its history to beat the coronavirus.

More people have died in the Isle of Man as a result of prescribed drugs than illegal ones over the past five years.

Ramsey Group Practice provided only 38% face-to-face appointments on average during September. This compares with 90% at Finch Hill surgery.

The Environment Minister has overturned an appeal inspector’s recommendation over the future of an historic quayside warehouse in Ramsey.

Two business owners have said they expected next year’s TT to be cancelled, but it will still be a financial shock for the hospitality industry.

Cyclists are being urged to avoid using the roadway on Douglas promenade during the regeneration works.

Meanwhile, the people behind the promenade project tell us there is still work to be done to finish off the first stretch of the reconstructed road to be opened.

A teenage mother has admitted leaving her sick baby alone in a hotel while she went out drinking.

The reception at Government House to mark the awarding of an MBE to Health Minister David Ashford.

Why it’s all change at the Brown Bobby petrol station in Douglas.

MHK Daphne Caine has voiced her concerns about how St Thomas’s Church of England School has been promoting itself to parents.

A fitting memorial is to be created to remember the Isle of Man’s own Florence Nightingale, Nellie Brennan.

Fraudster Sarah Hallworth has been punished by a court after illegally claiming £4,000 in Covid-19 related benefits.

Lots of photos in our coverage the annual craft fair held in Laxey.

We also have lots of photos of Peel’s Christmas lights switch-on. If you were there, will you spot yourself?

The Liberal Vannin Party chairman is calling on the Manx government to rule out moving to nuclear power in a bid to go carbon neutral.

Many of the best stage performers the island has produced will gather together for a magical Christmas show, our Island Life section reports.

Described as one of the finest poets the island has produced in modern times, the work of the late, Paul Lebiedzinski, has been published in for the first time.

Former Ayre United striker Niall Cummins has a FA Cup tie with Spurs to look forward to, our sports team reports on the back page.

There are 11 pages full or sports action in total.

The leisure and pleasure Island Life section also includes a gig guide and lists which films are at the pictures.

There is also plenty of community news, as well your letters, our puzzles page and a seven-day television guide.

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. It should be uploaded by 7.30am.

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 or watch the video below.

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