Jurby landowner calls for bus shelter relocation amid ongoing concerns

Calls for change follow claims of littering, drug use and disorder at shelter located on privately owned land

A Jurby landowner is urging residents to contact Bus Vannin, in the hope of having a local bus stop relocated, following a planning application to convert the existing shelter on his land into private storage.

The request comes after growing concern in the community, with some residents expressing disappointment over the proposed change of use.

The owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, says he initially thought little of the bus shelter when purchasing the land several years ago, but has since maintained the structure, regularly cleaning and tidying it.

However, he claims it has increasingly become a hotspot for littering, anti-social behaviour, and suspected drug use, and says it has also been used as a toilet.

After confirming through the Land Registry that the shelter is on his privately owned plot, he says he contacted Bus Vannin to request it be relocated, but received no response.

He later visited the operator in person but says no action has been taken to date.

The landowner says he also tried appealing to locals via a community Facebook group, asking that the shelter be treated with respect - but says he was met with hostility, including doubts about his ownership of the land.

In an effort to formalise the situation, he approached the Planning Office to enquire about changing the use of the shelter to private storage - a move which, he says, led to further backlash.

He believes the ongoing issue is now affecting his quality of life and notes that he pays rates on the shelter as part of his property.

He also says he has contacted the police on several occasions due to disorderly behaviour, but fears possible repercussions if he continues to raise complaints.

“I just want to live here peacefully,” he said.

Listen to his full interview here: 

Bus Vannin has confirmed it's aware of the planning application and will be making a contribution.