It’s a new year which brings new hopes for the future, but what do the residents want to see changed?

The Isle of Man Examiner took to the streets of Douglas to find out what the public believe could improve the place they affectionately call home.

Spring Valley resident, Anne-Marie Kelly, 40, said: ’There really should be more for the kids, as there’s nowhere for them to go or to do here. Back in the days, we had Summerland and a fun house. I feel like today’s youth are suffering here.’

She added: ’There’s more for toddlers and for the slightly older kids at Onchan Park. I just want kids to enjoy the Isle of Man like how we used to.’

Her daughter, Courtney Chorley, 13, said: ’I usually go into town, walk around and buy stuff, but I’d like an arcade on the island.’

Andrew Wildman, a 22-year-old from Douglas, is currently studying a PHD in psychology at Bangor University in North Wales.

He believes entertainment in the island could be better.

He said: ’It would be good to see more of a uni vibe on the island.

’The night life here ends at 3am. Maybe clubs should be given longer licenses to stay open later.

’It’d also be helpful if we had 24 hour shops, like convenience stores, because people need to have options when it gets to that hour of night. We also need more competitive markets on the island.’

Sue Walker, over-60, from Castletown, works in company administration. She said: ’I would like to see equal pay on the island.

’It’s been this way for a long time and we need to fit the standards of a modern workplace.

’In this day and age, every one has bills to pay and everyone contributes to the costs of living.

’That’s why we all need to be paid the same for doing the same amount of work.’

Spring Valley resident, Mechelle Quayle, 50, thinks attention should be paid to the island’s health and social care.

She said: ’We need to look at the hospital and look after the elderly more.

’There are far too many cuts in the wrong places, in the health service and definitely with the police and airport staff.

’Constabulary cutbacks are terrible.

’MHKs get too much money for what they do.’

Her fiancé, Kevin Quirk, 55, also from Spring Valley, said: ’The government wastes a lot of money. It’s all hands over fist.

’There are too many management roles in government and not enough people on the floor.’

Peter Quayle, 51, who lives in Crosby, said: ’I’m a parent of an 18 and 20-year-old.

’I think there was more for people to do 40 years ago then there is today.

’Everything is about going to the pub.

’Economically I’m in favour of closer bonds with Europe. There’s more we can do to support our name and make it known in places around Europe. I think the UK will let us down and that our international island should join the EU.

’The Isle of Man is a fantastic place to live. We should get Apple and Google over here and move away from eGaming to focus on making a digital island, which will attract more people over.’