Douglas Council says it is taking allegations made by a local businessman seriously.

Jason Scales has made claims of corruption in the council via his Twitter account.

In his tweets, Mr Scales claimed that council officers have been using their positions and powers to ‘buy property on the cheap and flip them for a profit’ for the benefit of themselves or their friends.

He has also included several screenshots which he claims are messaged detailing this.

A council spokesman said: ‘Douglas Borough Council has been made aware of allegations which have been posted on social media. Such allegations are taken seriously and as is usual practice, are investigated in accordance with internal process and procedures.’

We understand that the matter has not, at this time, be referred to the police.