A well known figure in Castletown has resigned from the town's commissioners, saying he is disillusioned over what the local authority can achieve.

Richard Ronan has lived in Castletown all his life and had served on the board for seven years.

Mr Ronan, who was chairman 2008 to 2009, says the authority has little real impact on the lives of local people.

He says the board has become a ceremonial body with nothing more than light administration duties within its sphere of influence.

He says matters of most concern to contituents are usually outside the remit of local authorities, which makes anything the commissioners decide, in his words, 'largely futile'.

In his letter of resignation, Mr Ronan says it would be hypocritical to continue in the position, and he is troubled that at present all the sitting members are returned unopposed and unelected.

Vice chairman Jerry Ludford Brooks says Mr Ronan has been a solid member of the board for the last seven years and he is sorry to see him go: