Douglas councillors and MHKs are joining forces and hold twice-monthly surgeries, to listen to public views, starting tomorrow (Saturday).

The surgeries will be run on the first and third Saturday of each month, at the Sea Terminal, from 11am to 1pm, with one councillor and one Douglas MHK jointly hosting the sessions on a rota system.

Council leader David Christian, who will be attending the first surgery along with Douglas Central MHK Ann Corlett, said: ’The surgeries are born out of the council’s recently formed working group looking to identify how best to engage with its customers and the wider Douglas community.

’We see the surgeries offering an opportunity for councillors and MHKs to meet the public, discuss the issues of the day and explain policy decisions and proposed schemes, which may be close to many people’s hearts.’

He added: ’The sessions will also help to clarify the distinctions between the roles and areas of responsibility of local and central government. As for any issues raised that cannot be fully answered at the time, we shall take those away and respond to them in greater detail at a later date.’

He said the council was ’fully committed’ to listening to ratepayers.

Surgery schedules will be posted on the council’s website douglas.gov.im and Facebook page.