Unsightly flood defences in Laxey are doing their job - but their appearance could be improved.

The Department of Infrastructure has denied claims that it has ’desecrated’ the valley with unauthorised works.

Planning consultant Patricia Newton alleges that registered building consent was not obtained for the demolition of an amenity area containing trees, picnic site and industrial archaeology - a wheelcase dating back to 1906.

This was carried out as part of a project to widen the culvert that channels the stream from Gretch Veg waterfall under Glen Road and out into the Laxey River.

Ms Newton said: ’Widening of culverts may be needed but they should be of a high quality appropriate finished design throughout and subject to correct planning procedures in a conservation area.

’On the lower Gretch Veg section a very unsightly concrete culvert fully open to public view and being increasingly stained like a dirty bath tub has been constructed without any consent.’

A DoI spokesman said: ’The department engages fully with the planning process and applies for any permissions that it believes are necessary.

’The Gretch Veg culvert does look a little stark and will be given a finish of stone cladding later this year once appropriate permissions are in place.’

Villagers in Laxey were forced out of their homes after the floods of October 1, 2019, when the river burst through a wall in Glen Road, following torrential rain.

Culvert widening of Gretch Veg are part of a £10m scheme to reduce flood risk in Laxey.

The DoI spokesman said the department had been engaging with the local authority and residents since the flood and is confident that residents want first and foremost to be given better flood protection.

He said: ’The department is mindful that Glen Road is an attractive and historic area and therefore is working to make its engineering works fit into this environment.

’The significantly enlarged Gretch Veg culvert was in place in time for the worst of the weather this winter and very probably prevented localised flooding.

’The department is confident that the vast majority of residents would support the decision to install the flood protection scheme as soon as possible and to then return to improve the aesthetics.’

He added the DoI had just applied for permission for further major flood protection works and would be ’investing significant amounts to help protect the people of Laxey’.