GARFF COMMISSIONERS JUNE 2017

GARFF COMMISSIONERS

Newsletter June 2017

DELIVERING LOCAL AUTHORITY SERVICES

RATES & the NEW GARFF AUTHORITY

How Much will the rates be in the new by Manx Utilities. Unfortunately in these two Garff Authority for Year End 2018? areas there will be significant rises in the order of 6% in each case. Although the rises Rates across Garff as a whole will be frozen arrive on the domestic rate demand, the for the Financial Year 1st April 2017 to March Commissioners have no influence on the 31st 2018. decision to impose these increases. Refuse Collection & Other Services We are in our first year without the benefit of Already Refuse Collection Services have audit completion so it would be premature to benefitted from the closer amalgamation in terms announce any detailed financial changes The New Garff Authority – How’s it of streamlining collection rounds and office-based brought about by the amalgamation. The working? administration. Commissioners are very confident that there The amalgamation of the three authorities Additionally, Hedge-Cutting, Gulley Cleaning, and will be savings, but although these are was always seen as a good fit as all three Street Sweeping contracts and arrangements predictable to some extent, they are not fully operated on a similar model; being one with have also been amalgamated across the Sheading detailed until the audit process has very few directly employed staff, delivering bringing efficiencies without losing tight control completed later in the year. the majority of services through the use of over the day to day running of the services. professional private contractors. As a consequence, and despite the prevailing Over the next few years the Commissioners will 6.4% RPI figure, the Commissioners rate be examining options to amalgamate the varied across Garff has been frozen, albeit with the Other local authorities to north and south of contracts operated by Laxey, Lonan and introduction of the four year sliding scale Garff are modelled on a system of delivering Maughold in terms of grass cutting in public areas, which will mean, depending on the rateable services primarily through a much larger toilet and facility cleaning. This will be done value of your property, a small annual directly employed workforce. Laxey, Lonan where the resultant service is more cost-effective increase of several pounds in the Lonan and and Maughold had always found that the use and maintains at least the previous efficiency and Maughold Wards with a commensurate of contractors provided the most efficient quality. reduction in Laxey Ward. and cost-effective method of delivering our

services and the Commissioners feel that, in As you may be aware the most significant the interest of the ratepayer, this model element of your domestic rates demand is should be continued into the future. for the water and sewage services provided

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Page 1 Consequently, the operation costs of the development in the future. The response facility do not impact on the domestic rates included general comment protecting the at all. visual amenity and character of the Garff landscape. as well as aspects of infrastructure such as sewerage, the road Other services? network and cycle routes. It is anticipated The new administration in Tynwald is still that government will report back on the finding its feet, but it’s likely that other consultation in the coming months. services may be devolved to local authorities Response to the December 2015 in the coming years. Floods As a principle, Garff Commissioners would be The Commissioners continue to press for very interested in taking responsibility for a works to Repair and Improve the Sheading’s range of services, particularly first stage Staffing at Garff Commissioners Infrastructure. planning and public right of way

maintenance for example. Any such transfers Nearly 18 months on from the significant As the first operating year of the new Garff would have to be carefully considered and Authority draws to a close it is becoming flooding experienced across the sheading of any possible financial impact measured and Garff the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) easier to predict some areas where the new evaluated. authority can make savings. Staffing costs and Manx Utilities Authority (MUA) are were perhaps the most difficult to predict, As with most things, your views on these continuing to carry out works to repair but, it is becoming apparent that the office matters would be very much welcomed. damage and improve drainage provision can be maintained without engaging across the sheading. additional office staff to the two currently Public Sector Housing – Shared While there are still areas that need employed on a 37 hour basis. The separate waiting Lists addressing, significant inroads have been offices of Laxey, Lonan and Maughold made to repair and improve ageing surface previously employed almost three Members water drainage and other infrastructure. In of staff equivalent to 2.7, which indicates a In future residents of Garff seeking public Laxey both Rencell Hill and Baldhoon Road reduction in staffing numbers of over 25%. housing will be able to choose to go on either a Northern or Eastern Area waiting list. have seen improvements made to surface The authority also directly employs one full water drainage and of course construction of time and one part-time maintenance The Northern list will provide access to the the replacement Old Laxey Bridge. In Lonan operative who undertake a wide range of houses at the Corrany in Maughold , as well works have been carried out to repair roles around the Sheading from grass cutting as giving the option to be housed in Ramsey blocked culverts in the Moaney Quill area, and other public area maintenance to or at any public housing location across the and in Maughold the DOI has undertaken building and facility maintenance on the north of the Island. work to address the flooding issue at the Authority’s various properties, play areas as Inclusion on the Eastern Area List will provide Hibernia crossroads. While the MUA well as at Cooil Roi. The camp site in Laxey access to public housing in Laxey, Lonan and continue with works river wall repair works in has a part-time warden. However, the . Laxey Glen and at the Fire Station and the staffing and running costs of the site are It is hoped that will join the Eastern Manx Electric Railway has carried out funded by its commercial operation and do List at some point in the future which will substantial works to repair and improve not negatively affect the rates. bring further possibilities. drainage and protect properties affected on A diverse range of professional private Mines Road. It is the view of the Commissioners that this contractors are also engaged to provide arrangement will provide residents with essential services such as refuse collection, The Local Authority has also played its part improved flexibility when applying for social gulley cleaning, road sweeping and hedge– and continues to provide road sweeping and housing, giving wider choice options and gully cleaning services on the secondary cutting. Other contractors are used on a one- enhanced opportunities. off basis to undertake tree surgery, roads in the Sheading. In carrying out this plumbing, etc. work a number of problems with the Eastern Area Plan drainage infrastructure have been identified The former Cooil Roi Sheltered Housing and reported to the DOI. Authority employed four members of staff, The Commissioners have submitted their response to the Government’s Consultation one full-time and three part-time; these Moving forward Garff Commissioners are on the Eastern Area Plan. A display of staffing levels remain the same and are not committed to working closely with the DoI, mapping and of the proposals in the expected to change in the foreseeable MUA and our newly elected MHK’s, Daphne Commissioners’ Office proved popular and future. Although now an integral part of the Caine and Martyn Perkins, to ensure that was visited by many residents during April new Garff Authority, the staffing and further improvements to surface water and May of this year. The response of the operational costs of Cooil Roi are met by the drainage and proposed flood elevation Commissioners was influenced by the residents’ rent income and the government’s schemes are implemented. housing deficiency scheme. comments made and covered the need for the provision of affordable housing, public sector housing and sheltered housing. The

submission also commented on the individual areas of land that had been identified as potential locations for pg. 2 GARFF COMMISSIONERS | June 2017 3

The Future of Lonan Church?

Sewerage Improvements for Laxey Share the Space in Garff and Garwick. A further initiative that Garff Commissioners support is Safe Cycling IOM's call for an emphasis on road safety initiatives for cyclists and other vulnerable road users. The Commissioners are keen to support the minimum safe passing distance initiative because it will not only benefit cyclists, but The Commissioners have begun will also benefit, runners, walkers and investigations with the Church Authorities pedestrians throughout the Sheading by into the possibility of taking over The Government's Bathing Water Charts encouraging all road users to 'Share the administration of the Lonan Parish Church indicate a mixed bag for Garff's beaches - but Space'. Building which has been closed for several the future is brighter! years. It’s very early days yet but the initial idea is to test the viability of the building Maughold's beaches have benefited in recent being used as a ‘Festival Church’ and also years from new sewerage treatment facilities utilise it for community events or as a at Port Lewaigue, Maughold Village, community centre. Your thoughts, ideas and Booilushag, Corony and Glen Mona. The close suggestions on this proposal would be very partnership with Manx Utilities continues and much appreciated. the focus has now turned to beaches further Contact 861241 or [email protected]. south with the Commissioners being very

pleased with the very positive response from The Future of the Dhoon Church Manx Utilities in regard to providing sewerage # treatment in Laxey Bay and Garwick Bay. It's Field? the early stages of a long process of Play Equipment in Lonan? Another initiative being investigated with the investigation and planning, but the ball has Church Authorities is the use of the field begun to roll with our two MHK's Daphne Play equipment for young people in Lonan? beside the Dhoon Church for the Glen Mona Caine and Martyn Perkins giving full support. The Commissioners are preparing final and wider community. Initial suggestions are proposals for the provision of play equipment for the provision of children’s play at Church Close and on All Saints Park for the equipment, and a ball sports area. It is felt Road Safety young people of Lonan. Initial consultation that a portion of the field should be retained has taken place and has been used to to enable staging of the Bonfire every influence the plans being prepared. The plans November and that car parking facilities can be viewed at any time and will be made could be incorporated for public and church available to anyone who wishes to view use. Monies for this project had been set them. Contact the Commissioners' Clerk on aside by Maughold Commissioners and 861241 or via [email protected]. remain available to use for the benefit of the community. Once again, your views would be Sports Facilities on Glen Road, much appreciated on the types of facility Laxey. that could be provided.

The Commissioners work very closely with both Highways and the Roads Policing Unit, Laxey & Lonan Heritage Trust and lobby the Department regularly about Needs You! particular areas of concern such as around L&LHT have been instrumental in ensuring Ard Reart Junction in Laxey and Main Road, that the areas heritage is presented in the . The Commissioners own and most accessible and informative ways; operate the Speed Indicator signs deployed facilities such as the Great Laxey Mine at the entrances to Glen Mona. The latter are The Commissioners are also in discussion Railway and the Lady Eveline water wheel very popular with residents and it further use with representatives from local sports groups have greatly enhanced the profile of the of speed indicator signage is being discussed regarding proposals to enhance the sports village’s attractions. with Highways for deployment at Ard Reayrt, and leisure areas on Glen Road in Laxey. It is If you are able to volunteer your time to any Baldrine and other locations of concern. hoped that more details about these aspect of the Trust’s exciting and varied proposals as they develop over the coming activities please call into the Heritage Shop year. on Mines Road, Laxey, or call 862007.

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Garff is Dementia Friendly Political Surgeries - First Saturday Businesses in Laxey recently benefitted from of each month. training sessions on understanding the The political Surgeries run jointly by our two condition of dementia that were organised MHKs and the Commissioners are proving by Julie Peel from the Cooil Roi Housing both highly effective and very popular. Complex. The training was designed to help Martyn Perkins, and a those working in businesses identify and assist vulnerable people. The initiative was a Commissioner are in attendance to discuss great success and provided a great insight any issues or concerns you wish to bring. They usually take place on the first Saturday into the condition for local businesses. New Facilities in the Sheading of each month from 10.00 am at the Cooil Roi celebrates its 50th Birthday! A range of new facilities are being Commissioners' Offices, 35 New Road, commissioned or refurbished this year. Laxey. Please contact us for full details. These include: - A new shower block at the Laxey Refuse & Recycling InformationA Camp Site which is ready and in use quick reminder that only general household this season. waste should be deposited in your wheelie bin (as a rule of thumb, only materials that are easily and safely combustible. This will On the 29th July this year, Cooil Roi will be increase our recycling rates and improve the celebrating its 50th Birthday; events will efficiency of the Energy from Waste plant in include a garden party with entertainments Braddan. and plenty of refreshment! Everyone from The following items can be taken to a Civic the Sheading is invited to come and join in Amenity Site ( River, Douglas or the celebrations. Balladoole, ): - Although primarily for retired people it can Batteries, Building rubble, Car and also be a place of safety for people who need - Refurbishment of the Laxey Motorcycle parts, Garden Green a bit of extra help to live independently. Promenade Children’s Play Area. Waste, Fluorescent Light Tubes, Please contact Julie on 862307 if you would - Refurbishment of the Glen Road Metals, Oil, Soil/Garden Stones, TV like more information about applying for a BMX Track. Sets/Electronic Goods/Phones, flat at Cooil Roi. White electrical Goods, Large Tree - Resurfacing of the pathway into Trunks/Branches Laxey Valley Gardens to facilitate Contacting the Commissioners. The following items can be recycled at Bring access to the railway run by Laxey & The Commissioners very much welcome the Banks and the CA Sites: Lonan Heritage Trust. expression of views and comments. If you - New toilet facilities in Maughold Cans, Glass, Paper, (cardboard, and have a query, a complaint, or think we can Village Car Park are due to be open plastic can also be recycled at Glen assist, please do not hesitate to contact in mid-June of this year. Rd, Laxey) Peter Burgess or Martin Royle at the Commissioners’ Office. For the following items you must seek Peter and Martin can be contacted by email specialist advice: [email protected], or by telephoning 861241. Asbestos, Clinical Waste, Gas The postal address of the office facility is: Cylinders, Medicines, Paint, Tyres. Commissioners’ Office, 35 New Road, Laxey, , IM4 7BG Civic Amenity Sites The Commissioners are part of the The Commissioners also have Facebook and committee recently set up to operate the Twitter accounts which can be found by - It is hoped that children’s play Northern Civic Amenity Site at Balladoole, searching ‘Garff Commissioners’ facilities can be installed in areas of north of Ramsey. The site was previously If your query is in relation to the Cooil Roi

Lonan in this financial year. operated by DOI, but is now under the direct Sheltered Housing Complex, please contact control of the local authorities. Residents in Julie Peel on 862307. the north of the Sheading who have used the Your Garff MHKs can also be contacted: site for several years will probably notice very little difference in the site's operation. Martyn Perkins MHK tel: 651518 Arrangements for residents in Laxey and [email protected] Lonan remain the same with the Eastern CA Daphne Caine MHK tel: 651519 Site at Middle River being run by the Eastern [email protected] local authorities including Garff. - pg. 4