Councillors call for local government reform
Mon, 15 Feb 2021
By Chris Cave - Local Democracy Reporter
A number of councillors in Douglas have voiced their support for an overhaul of local governance on the Isle of Man. However, it’s been questioned whether or not Tynwald would back the reform. There are currently 21 local authorities on the Island, which provide service such as refuse collection and street lighting. Council Leader David Christian believes reform would bring about ‘greater consistency’, but feels it would be met with resistance from central government. He’s revealed his frustration at the length of time it takes for authorities to set by-laws.
The DoI has decided not to replace the TT bridge at the Granstand
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A decision by the government to drop plans for a new TT bridge should be revisited.
Leader of Douglas Council David Christian said the Department of Infrastructure needs to reconsider access into north Douglas from Noble’s Park if the TT is to return.
The DoI had announced plans to build a new year round 24 hour bridge with lifts and said it was necessary for disabled access. However the department later withdrew its application saying it wasn’t necessary as there is a bridge at St Ninian’s crossroads during TT and MGP fortnights.
Douglas Town Hall
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The chairman of Douglas’s housing committee has defended the authority’s record on maintenance after a colleague said it was ’unacceptable’.
Claire Wells was responded to questions from Councillor Sam Hamer as the council published its figures for the second quarter of 2020/21.
Throughout the second quarter the council managed to carry out an average 57.3% of emergency, urgent and routine repairs within the target time. On average 76.7% of void properties, including those requiring major works, were completed within the specified programme.
Mr Hamer said the figures were ’unacceptable’ and asked Mrs Wells if the council’s targets were ’unachieveable’.
Councillors reject Keep Britain Tidy membership
Sat, 12 Dec 2020 A Douglas councillor wants to see more fines dished out for those caught littering. It comes after the authority voted down a motion to subscribe to the Keep Britain Tidy (KTB) initiative. Richie McNicholl, who chairs the Environmental Services Committee, insisted they are fully aware there is a problem with littering in the capital. However, he believes handing out financial penalties is the best way to clamp down on offenders. A 12-month membership for the KTB scheme would have cost ratepayers £1,200 but members rejected the idea. Mr McNicholl said: “I think there should be more fines for those dropping litter. We don’t need to be told we have a problem.”
Hit littering offenders in the wallet
A Douglas councillor wants to see more fines dished out for those caught littering.
It comes after the authority voted down a motion to subscribe to the Keep Britain Tidy (KTB) initiative.
Richie McNicholl, who chairs the Environmental Services Committee, insisted they are fully aware there is a problem with littering in the capital.
However, he believes handing out financial penalties is the best way to clamp down on offenders.
A 12-month membership for the KTB scheme would have cost ratepayers £1,200 but members rejected the idea.
Mr McNicholl said: I think there should be more fines for those dropping litter. We don t need to be told we have a problem.