A bitter dispute has emerged between the Leisure Division and owners of some of the Island's vintage railway stock.
The Isle of Man Rail and Tramway Preservation Society is accusing government of reneging on a ten-year agreement to maintain steam locomotive No 8 Fenella in exchange for using her.
However, the deal was never returned by department chiefs, who claim it isn't valid.
The society has been told unless Fenella, a Cleminson coach and two MER vehicles are moved from the department's sheds by March 12, the rolling stock will be left on sidings at Dhoon.
Society chairman Robert Hendry says its property is being ransomed:
Director of public transport Ian Longworth says the rolling stock has been housed at taxpayers' expense for some years, but the space is now needed.
He says a new agreement was reached with the society last year, but has since been rejected by the organisation.
There will be more on this story in Monday's Mandate, from 7.30am.
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