Security fence a 'waste of cash'

Work on the fence is scheduled to start in November

Commissioners on the Isle of Man have criticised a £1.2m security fence to be built around Ronaldsway Airport as a "waste of taxpayers cash".

They said the 6ft (1.8m) fence was "another example of the UK leading the island by the nose".

The UK's Department for Transport had described the ariport's old fence as "completely unsatisfactory".

Airport director Anne Reynolds said UK airports might refuse Manx flights if the project did not go ahead.

She said, in a letter to the commissioners, that there could be concerns over security if the fence was not erected, adding that it "would be painted black or green" after consultation with local residents.

It would not back directly on to the airfield itself but could be placed further back to lessen its visual impact, she added.

Construction work on the 5km (3.1 miles) of fencing will begin in November.