Cost of Groudle waterwheel repairs 'won't burden Onchan ratepayers'

Local authority outlines plans

The cost of restoring the neglected Groudle Glen waterwheel 'won't be a huge burden on ratepayers', according to the chair of Onchan Commissioners.

It was announced yesterday the local authority had reached an agreement with a 'community partner' to repair the dilapidated structure.

Onchan Commissioners Chairman Martin Macfarlane says the third party, who've asked not to be named at this point, are 'highly-skilled' in engineering and 'experts in their field'.

The future maintenance of the wheel had been a sticking point for the local authority in previous years, over fears ongoing costs would mount up.

The chairman says finding a cost-effective way forward wouldn't have been possible without the partner, and concerns over financing the project have now been met.

Down in the glen, work will soon begin in stages to demolish the wheel house, and remove the wheel for restoration.

Mr Macfarlane explained to Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne why the commissioners felt it was time to restore the wheel to its former glory: