The chairman of Castletown Town Commissioners Carol Quine has resigned following a dog-bite incident within the town hall.

The incident occurred on August 26, and prompted the board to write to Ms Quine requesting her resignation.

Ms Quine, who was elected to chair the board following the local elections in July, refused to resign, which led to a vote of no confidence being passed against her last month.

She has now ultimately made the decision to step down.

In a statement, Ms Quine said: ’It is with the utmost regret and sadness that after serious consideration I have reluctantly decided to resign as both chairman and board member of Castletown Town Commissioners (CTC).

’This due to allegations laid against me in the public domain; questioning my abilities as chairman after an unfortunate incident involving my dog and an employee of CTC, who had volunteered to administer ear drops to the dog.

’The town hall was closed for maintenance from Thursday, August 26 to Wednesday, September 1; however this was the meeting place chosen by the employee as he was in Castletown at the time, whilst working from home for the period.

’After seeking legal advice I declined upon request of the Board to step down as chairman with immediate effect, believing my ability as a chairman or as a commissioner had no relevance to the unfortunate incident mentioned above.

’A vote of no confidence was brought by Mr Cubbon, seconded by Mr Leather with unanimous support of the Board making the position as a commissioner untenable for me to continue, as a member of a team without support of board members.’

She added: ’My political life has been dedicated to serving the people of Castletown and this decision has not come lightly.

’The unnecessary speculation and public humiliation has not only affected me personally but also members of my family.

’I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who voted for me in the recent election and all those who have supported me over the years.’

The CTC accepted her resignation.

With regards to Ms Quine’s allegations about the circumstances surrounding the incident in question - namely that the employee injured had volunteered to administer ear drops and suggested the location of the town hall - the CTC have refuted these claims.

They said: ’It is a matter of disappointment [for] the Board that after several weeks of silence, Miss Quine has through her public press release chosen to make misleading comments about an employee of the town that the Commissioners refute in their entirety.

’Nonetheless, the Board of Castletown Town Commissioners regret that Miss Quine chose to resign as a Commissioner and wish to thank her for her many years of service to the town.’

It is anticipated that an election for a new chairman will be held on November 1 at 6.30pm.

A decision regarding the timing of an election for Ms Quine’s commissioner position is yet to be made.