Work to restore a Victorian water wheel is approaching completion, just over a year after work began.

Laxey mining firm MMD GPHC Ltd reached an agreement to restore the wheel and replace the wheelhouse for Little Isabella in Groudle Glen last year.

When the work began in July 2019, the firm, along with Isle of Man Heavy Crane Services removed what was left of the wheelhouse which was in a sorry state after years of neglect.

Due to mating seasons for fish in the river, the company was only able to access the site during between mid-June and September, but it is understood an extension was granted to allow for the work to be completed.

The wheel itself was taken off island by MMD for a full restoration.

However, there was no saving the wheelhouse, large parts of which had rusted and rotted away.

In its place, MMD built a replacement using materials requiring minimal maintenance such as self-coloured render and PVC wood grained boarding.

An access to the building will be provided by a walkway and stairs built using black painted steelwork.

Built in late 19th century, the waterwheel provided power for lighting and pumping water to the hotel above.

Despite being maintained throughout the 20th century, it last turned in the early 2000s.

After MHKs and visitors to the glen raised issue with the state the quaint landmark had been left in, Onchan Commissioners and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture initially disagreed over whose responsibility it was.

The local authority eventually agreed it was its responsibility but said it couldn’t afford the repair work without financial support.

With the work nearing completion, it is expected than an official re-opening ceremony will be held in the coming weeks for Little Isabella.