| Hotel Owner Speaks Out | |
 Rosie Sayle who is the licensee of the Sulby Glen
Hotel has spoken of the devastating effects the
foot-and-mouth crisis and the cancellation of road
racing has had on her business.
Rosie appeared before rent and rating appeal
commissioners on Wednesday to tell how she was
'fighting for survival'.
The sitting in Douglas heard how badly she'd been affected by the scrapping of the TT, Southern 100 and Manx Grand Prix due to the risk of foot-and-mouth disease as well as restrictions which led to the closure of the Wildlife Park at Ballaugh, the Claddagh campsite and parts of the countryside. She said she was in a 'desperate situation' and claimed she had suffered from a 'substantial loss of trade', but added she had not laid off any staff yet. Mrs Sayle appealed against the amount of rates she had to pay. 'I'm here asking for some assistance,' she said. The licensee has received compensation from the government for empty beds during the TT fortnight, but has not yet applied for another compensation scheme which is aimed at businesses which can prove 'severe and lasting damage'. An emotional Mrs Sayle said: 'I am here fighting for survival. That survival is personal, it involves my family and my staff who are my friends.' Chairman Norman Teare said the panel could amend the rateable value of the premises. No decision has been announced. Courtesy of www.iomonline.co.im
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