Douglas Mayor Councillor Ritchie McNicholl has praised HMV for investing in the future of Douglas. Councillor McNicholl, who was speaking at the official re-opening of the Strand Centre store on Saturday October 8, offered his appreciation for ‘the foresight and confidence of the HMV management’ and continued: ‘The Douglas regeneration scheme is soon to get under way in earnest, and by helping to improve the environment of our shopping area that will help instil more confidence leading, we hope, to more investment and making Douglas town centre a thriving and enjoyable place to visit and for business. Although the major part of the regeneration scheme will be funded by public money, its overall success will depend on the willingness of local businesses to invest in their own properties as well. Here, then, is a prime example and I applaud HMV on making an early contribution.’ The Mayor, accompanied by Mayoress Julie McNicholl met with store manager Pete McMurrie who said that the Douglas branch, which now focused on technology products, was the number one store of its type within the company. ENDS