Manx National Heritage has issued a statement denying the suggestion it objected to the removal of a structure which contributed to the Laxey flood on Tuesday.

A weir in Laxey river has been the issue of much debate since the flood after it blocked trees and created a dam forcing the water out through the wall and into the road.

The structure, which has since been removed under special powers, was once a power unit for the Manx Electric Railway, but why it was still standing has become a controversial topic with the blame being landed at the feet of Manx National Heritage.

However, MNH has issued a statement today saying that while it was involved in the consultation on work further up the river, it has not been consulted on removing any weir in Laxey river.

A spokesman said: ’To set the record straight, Manx National Heritage would like to confirm that we were invited by Manx Utilities to work with the authority and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture in the design of the new weir just below the junction of the Glen Roy and Laxey rivers, on account of its location in the Conservation Area and its potential historical interest.

’At no stage of the process were we consulted on the removal of the former MER weir further downstream, the raised penstock of which caused the build up of fallen trees and debris on Tuesday.

’Contrary to comment and speculation, we have not objected to the removal of any of the weirs in the glen, nor did we object to the planning application for the current works. Furthermore, the MER weir is not in our ownership nor was it ever in our power to refuse its removal.’

The statement appears to contradict what chairman of Manx Utilities Dr Alex Allinson MHK said to Manx Radio earlier this week when he said that he agreed with Garff MHK Martyn Perkins who said that the weir was the ’main source of the problem’.

Dr Allinson added: ’In the past Manx Utilities has approached Manx National Heritage about getting rid of that it.

’It’s a heritage site, people like the views, however if you go down there today, you will see that weir caused the massive accumulation of trees. It caused the dam that then caused the water to build up and burst the banks further up, we need to do some work to attenuate it.’

Since we reported on Manx National Heritage’s statement, we have spoken to Dr Allinson who said that ’the issue of Laxey flooding has been discussed at a Manx Utilities board meeting today’.

Dr Allinson also confirmed that the removal of the weir has been discussed in the past and it was ’suggested’ that MNH would oppose it being removed.

However, he also confirmed that he was ’more than happy to talk to MNH’ about the weir.