In this week’s Manx Independent, we report on a dramatic fall in the Isle of Man’s birthrate.

Inside:

Lots of readers’ photographs taken in the snowy conditions we enjoyed (or endured) earlier in the week.

Twenty-year-old Jake Plant has been in court after rolling his grandmother’s car.

The Office of Fair Trading is investigating after a number of gas customers queried their bills. Its chairman made a lot of strong comments in Tynwald.

Douglas North MHK David Ashford has said that civil servants are struggling to get second jobs, due to regulations.

Following the appointment of Cathryn Bradley as the new chief executive officer of Sight Matters, she spoke to Rebecca Brahde about her hopes for the charity.

Onchan Commissioners spent £8,500 on legal advice concerning members’ conduct in just over a year.

Young people who are struggling with their mental health are being offered a unique Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition.

Castletown’s historic Peggy vessel could be returning to the ancient capital and placed in a new home as part of a £5m project.

Drink-driver Kendra Jane Furness has failed in her attempt to have an eight-year driving ban cut short.

Neal Antony Clague, who drove while he was disqualified and without insurance, has been sentenced.

A strong contingent of Manx musicians are taking part in Celtic Connections in Glasgow from today. Our Island Life section has all the details.

The chief minister has clarified comments he made about industrial action in which he appeared to call for restrictions.

Eight-year-old Ava Quilliam-Langton is raising money for a charity that provides real wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair through cancer treatment and other conditions.

Two vehicles careered off the road and landed on their roofs after their drivers lost control at the Blackboards near Ballasalla. We have a photo.

Concerns for wind farms that have been proposed offshore of the island have been voiced to the UK planning inspectorate.

A charity is calling on the island’s schools and youth groups to take part in the world’s largest wildlife survey.

The government is inviting schools, businesses and community groups to organise sustainable picnics to celebrate food and drink and those who produce it.

Rushen Players return to the stage this month with the second part of the spoof whodunnit trilogy by Peter Gordon.

Pupils at Bunscoill Ghaelgagh in St John’s have submitted an entry into a Scottish Gaelic film competition – and they are asking for your votes.

Photos from the ice rink at the Manx Fun Barn.

A look back at 100 years of the Cleveland Medal, the coveted prize at the Guild.

On the back page, Nathan Harrison has landed a dream ride alongside his boyhood hero John McGuinness in the Honda Racing UK team this year.

There are 11 action-packed pages of sport in all.

There is also plenty of community news, our puzzles pages, the gig guide and a seven-day television guide.

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