Agricultural grant scheme closes

A government initiative which provides financial support to Manx fisherman and farmers is to close with "immediate effect" to make £300,000 of savings.

The scheme is to stop subsiding new vessels for fisherman or give assistance to the horticultural industry from Friday at midday.

Minister Phil Gawne said the temporary closure was due to "financial pressure on government finances".

Support for fishermen buying safety equipment will still be available.

The future of the financial aid scheme will be reassessed next year.

Mr Gawne said: "We view the...scheme as an important area of support. "However, the current financial climate means it is essential we focus on how to make every penny of support deliver real improvements."

It means money to help pay for fishing vessels, engines or winches will no longer be available.

Mr Gawne added: "I wish to make absolutely clear that safety of Manx fishermen remains my highest priority so we will not be closing the elements of the scheme which support the purchase of safety equipment and assist in vessel modernisation."

The Isle of Man is the only country in northern Europe that continues with vessel grants. A similar scheme was scrapped in the UK 20 years ago.