Garff Commissioners discuss 20mph issues with infrastructure minister

It was one of the topics raised at its public meeting last night

Garff Commissioners has been discussing its concerns about the proposed 20mph zones in Laxey and Glen Mona with the infrastructure minister.

Michelle Haywood was in attendance at the board's monthly meeting last night.

A section of Laxey is already a 20 zone and Dr Haywood said this would be remaining in place.

However, the commissioners agreed that it’s often difficult to go over 20 in some areas of the village.

Commissioner Aishlinn Creer said that often ‘boy racers’ will be on Glen Road, which is dangerous due to there not being a suitable pavement for people to use.

She said she’d prefer to see traffic calming measures in some places.

Commissioner Marinda Fargher agreed and said there needs to be a crossing outside Dhoon Primary School.

She also said more roads in Glen Mona need to be 20mph and didn’t understand why it was left off the map.

Minister Haywood said her department had been looking into this issue.

It was also mentioned by the board that there are no footpaths linking the housing estate to the school which could also be putting parents off, as well as issues with double and triple parking on the road and in the school car park.

Minister Haywood agreed to investigate the issues and put a crossing point for Dhoon Primary School onto a priority list for the area.

Also on the agenda was a discussion about Manx Utilities’ planning application for a sewage treatment works in Garff.

At its last meeting the commissioners had agreed to hold a public meeting this month, however yesterday evening, some of the members were not on board with the idea due to the nature of the situation.

Commissioner Melanie Christian said the meeting had to be based on the application alone and not alternative ideas, and there was indecision about whether to invite representatives from the MUA.

It was agreed by the board to hold the meeting in November to canvas views from residents without anyone from the utilities authority.

The board also finalised budgets for the Bonfire Night firework displays in Laxey and Maughold.

£750 has been allocated for Maughold, whilst £1,250 will be provided for Laxey.

Commissioner Julie Pinson asked if the disparity in funding for each was fair and how many people attended each event.

Clerk Martin Royle said about 300 people attended the Maughold event last year, but the social club which supports the event hasn’t requested any additional funding.

Local businesses often donate to support the Laxey show and any remaining funds are donated to local charities.

Garff Commissioners will next meet on Wednesday 1 October.