The Great Laxey Wheel has stopped turning after a routine inspection found structural damage.

It was discovered by a maintenance team at Manx National Heritage (MNH) that a connecting timber rod was damaged and therefore the wheel would need to be stopped to prevent further damage.

An assessment will be carried out before the issue is fixed.

Brandon Ellis, properties manager for MNH, said: ‘During today’s scheduled weekly maintenance work at the wheel, our vigilant Department of Infrastructure (DoI) engineers noticed a structural issue with the large timber rod which connects the wheel’s main crank to the L-rocker and counter-balance bucket at the front of the wheel.

‘This has necessitated stopping the wheel to allow further detailed assessment of the damage by structural engineers.’

For 165 years the world’s largest working water wheel has continued to run with the maintenance team ensuring the Victorian landmark operates smoothly.

The Lady Isabella will remain open to the public until it closes for the season on November 3 this year. It is open seven days a week from 9.30am to 5pm.

A MNH spokesman said: ‘The protection of the island’s heritage attractions and the safety of visitors are Manx National Heritage’s primary concerns and they hope that the public will understand their decision to stop the wheel turning at this time.

‘We will be working hard with our DoI maintenance partners to get the wheel turning again as soon as possible. The site remains open to the public, and although the wheel is not turning, the Lady Isabella continues to welcome visitors to marvel at her Victorian majesty.’