Laxey’s MHKs have questioned why the village’s drainage issues haven’t been taken more seriously.

Daphne Caine and Martyn Perkins, who represent the village as part of the Garff constituency, were speaking after the flood damage on Glen Road, the second major flood in four years.

Mrs Caine said that having spoken to businesses and residents ’there is building frustration with government and a belief that this major incident was the direct result of government action and inaction’.

She added: ’Where is the island’s flood strategy and why have Laxey’s drainage issues not been addressed?

’It seems like Laxey is the village that government forgot.

’Residents are doing more for themselves in terms of expensive flood prevention measures and they are facing increased insurance premiums, excess payments - if they can obtain insurance.

’These "once in a lifetime" weather events are increasing in frequency.

’Perhaps climate change plays a part but property development without addressing basic infrastructure is having a huge impact.

’It can’t continue until drainage and basic river management is improved.’

Mrs Caine said government agencies involved have questions to answer over the timing of the work and lack of reaction to the weather warning issues by the Met Office.

She praised the Laxey residents for their response to the flood.

’The community though has responded brilliantly, as people always do,’ she said.

’Offers of support with baling out businesses, delivery of food and drink, offers of accommodation have been fantastic. But everyone is looking to see government up its game,’ she said.

Mrs Caine joined her colleague Mr Perkins in raising the issue of further development in the village until the drainage issue is resolved.

Mr Perkins gave evidence to the inquiry into the area plan for the east citing concerns over the village’s capability to deal with heavy rain.

He told MTTV’s Paul Moulton that he didn’t feel like he was being taken seriously during that inquiry.

He said: ’We have to have a very good look at what we’re doing with the Laxey valley flood prevention.

’I was in front of the eastern area plan inquiry on Tuesday (last week) and explained that we do have flash floods and it wasn’t taken that seriously I don’t think but here we are it’s all underlined it.’

Mr Perkins added that his concern over new houses being built with water running down onto concrete ’wouldn’t help’ the issue of flash floods.