Rushen Commissioners explain Ballakilley bid

'We were left with, effectively, little choice'

The clerk to Rushen Parish Commissioners says the local authority's hand has been forced, after it submitted an application to extend its boundary.

It's in retaliation to a decision to grant Port Erin Commissioners' bid to extend its boundary to take in the whole of the Ballakilley estate, following a public inquiry.

News broke yesterday of Rushen's move, which has led to a Tynwald order which would've granted Port Erin's request to be withdrawn.

Phil Gawne says it's a shame the way things have escalated: