Douglas Douglas Borough Council Your community newsletter for 2014-2015

What’s Inside? Douglas Borough Council Douglas Community Partnership: Connecting with ‘Working together to create quality spaces the Council

for a proud and positive Douglas’ douglas.gov.im offers the latest news and information The charter sets out how we intend to This endeavour is borne out of evidenced provide improved standards of service studies, which show that behaviour is about all our services. and shows how the DCP’s goals reflect influenced by our perceptions of the the needs of the local community and quality and safety of our public spaces; complement central government’s future every one of us makes decisions about Managed in-house by a dedicated And, coming soon: strategy. which areas we will use and when and communications team the website is • Subscribe to our new messaging service how we use them. Visitors’ perceptions regularly reviewed and upgraded with for kerbside recycling reminders; The Council, government departments, of our town are influenced by their view more transactional services regularly agencies, Douglas Development of how safe they feel and how clean being introduced. • Find out more with your smart phone Partnership and other associated and well presented the streets and and our new QR codes about Council bodies are keen to serve as an exemplar buildings appear. It is in all our interests On the website you can: installations and services as well as partnership for the rest of the island. to encourage new business in Douglas places of interest; What happens in Douglas - a forward and and, by ensuring the capital is cleaner, • Contact your councillor; • Log on to free wi-fi hotspots around outward-looking local authority - is often safer and greener, signatories to the DCP the town; considered as emblematic of the island as believe the town can attract inbound • Pay your Council rent; a whole. investment and help secure a resilient • Pay your rates; • Keep safe and secure with our extended economic future for the capital. town centre CCTV coverage. Since the inauguration of the Douglas • Purchase season tickets for the horse Community Partnership (DCP), its goal has tram service; been to improve upon and maintain higher The charter can be viewed and downloaded • Report a street lighting fault at reportit.im; environmental standards of cleanliness at douglas.gov.im and safety as well as create a better • Report a problem at reportit.im; quality of life for residents, workers and • Join the Henry Bloom Noble Library and visitors in the town and Borough. download e-books and e-audio books ‘Like’ us (via library.douglas.gov.im); Following the broad concept of ‘Cleaner, Safer, Greener’, from which the charter • Download a housing application form and Join our 3,500 followers and follow was established, a more localised vision, find out more about the Council’s housing the Council on Facebook for the very ‘Love Where You Live’, has been created. services; latest news, information and some great photos: fireworks, fairy doors • Download a building regulations approval Although sponsored by Keep Britain Tidy, in Summerhill Glen, gardening tips, form and find out more about building ‘Love Where You Live’ reflects what the control requirements; Henry Bloom Noble Library’s Pick of the DCP has sought to develop, i.e. Douglas Week, charity and mayoral events… Borough Council, government departments • View the Council’s latest job vacancies. and so much more at facebook.com/ and agencies working alongside DouglasBoroughCouncil. businesses, other enthusiastic groups and communities committed to maintaining a cleaner, safer, greener environment and united in their drive to advance schemes that will improve the town. You can visit our website at www.douglas.gov.im

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‘An affordable, strong and sensitive budget’ Where the money raised from rates is spent (2014-15 Est.) The 2014-2015 rate levy for the Borough of • Nursery now producing 60-80 tonnes of Douglas has been set at 397p. peat-free compost annually; • Council stepping up bye-laws enforcement; This new rate equates to a 0.5 per cent • Council leading drafting of new legislation for increase over the previous year; in real terms stronger enforcement powers against a rise of 4p per week for a typical three owners of dilapidated properties. bedroom semi-detached house. Housing: This modest rise, achieved in the face of • Willaston damp eradication: successful increased costs being passed from central to pilot scheme leads to 60 worst-affected local government, has been achieved thanks properties refurbished by latter half of to the Council’s long-term sound financial 2014, extending life of properties by management, central to which has been the 25-30 years; prudent use of reserves to reduce borrowing costs that would have imposed an added • Pulrose: £12 million investment sees burden on the ratepayer. completion of 84 new homes and £750,000 refurbishment of 45 existing Over the past five years the rate increase properties. Overall redevelopment has been only 12p in the £ which, at 3.1 investment £45 million; per cent, is significantly under 21.5 per • Sheltered housing: 28 units in Pulrose cent Manx inflation over the same period. scheduled for completion November 2014; construction of 40 units in Key points from the 2014-2015 Budget: Willaston commencing 2015. Where the money comes from More than £850,000 in reserves allocated to: Borough Crematorium and Cemetery (2014-15 Est.) improvement scheme: • Hutchinson Square upgrade; • £2.5 million non-rateborne scheme to • Living Promenade scheme; upgrade crematorium to increase capacity • Ballaughton Nursery upgrades; and provide new entry and exit to chapel; • Anagh Coar upgrades, including • £1 million refurbishment of cemetery’s parking facilities; driveways, paths and walls. • New skate park equipment; • Douglas Market Hall roof repairs; Total to be raised by rates : £10.5 million. • Improvements in public lighting via plant (Visit douglas.gov.im for the full annual renewals fund. review and presentation of the Budget).

Environmental Quality: And, despite pressures on its budgets, • £80,000 heating system to be installed the Council remains committed to its summer 2014 at Ballaughton Nursery £1.9 million investment in town centre saving £30,000 annually in fuel bills; regeneration.

4 Visit www.douglas.gov.im Visit www.douglas.gov.im 5 Douglas Borough Council Parks and gardens: Town centre regeneration: ‘Open for business’

‘Creating quality spaces’ The Council is investing £1.9 million in Regent Street, now transformed into a town centre regeneration to create a prime outdoor performance and social Douglas that projects a vibrant, open-for- gathering space, also features ‘The A to business image to encourage visitors and Y of Manx’, unique artwork in the granite shoppers and new business. paving funded by the town and village centre regeneration scheme and driven The Council knows that consumers today by the Douglas regeneration committee. have more choice of how, when and The artwork illustrates 24 subjects related where they buy, so it is working to revive to the Isle of Man, some of which are Douglas town centre and transform it into well-known and obvious such as ‘Manx an attractive, safe place where people will Cats’, ‘TT’ and ‘Kippers’, others a little want to shop and spend their leisure time more obscure, such as the ‘Giant Elk’ and during the day through to the evening. ‘Ogham’. The Council continues to invest in its parks Quality green spaces are one indicator and gardens across the Borough to create of how well a town is doing, so can help The next stage will see work to replace Why is it A-Y and not A-Z and why are an environment that encourages civic pride attract new business and investment paving from outside TK Maxx at the junction there only 24 letters? and ensures Douglas is an attractive place and generate increased visitor numbers. with Howard Street north to Castle Street for residents, workers, and visitors. Additionally, for businesses in Douglas, and south to Regent Street. Additionally, Because Manx Gaelic doesn’t feature especially those allied to the hospitality new directional signage in the form of finger X or Z. Noble’s Park and Douglas promenade industry, the town’s Green Flag status can posts has been installed, the first phase demonstrate the Council’s level of serve as a unique selling point for their of the lighting scheme is complete and Town centre regeneration - re-energising investment and the hard work of the parks promotional and marketing activities. tourist information ‘monoliths’ are set to be our town to create a capital of which we team. These efforts were recognised in 2013 installed over the coming months. can all be proud. when, at its first attempt, Douglas Borough Douglas Golf Course Council was awarded two Green Flags, one for Noble’s Park, the other for the Marine Owned and operated by Douglas Borough Gardens on the promenade. Council Douglas golf course is one of only a select number of golf courses in the world The Green Flag award scheme is the designed by Dr Alexander MacKenzie, benchmark standard for parks and green architect of some of the world’s most spaces across the British Isles, Europe, challenging courses, among which are the Australia and New Zealand, awarded by Augusta National in Atlanta, Georgia and environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. Australia’s Royal Melbourne.

At a time when many local authorities This18-hole municipal golf course, are cutting back on what they see as maintained by specialist Council ground aspirational but non-essential amenities staff, offers some of the finest golf in the Douglas recognises the importance of Island, together with extensive clubhouse quality parks and gardens in its overall town and community facilities in the Meadows centre regeneration strategy. Well maintained Pavilion which features a function suite parks and gardens not only benefit the local together with a licensed bar and restaurant. community and have a positive impact on people’s quality of life but they also have the Find out more at douglas.gov.im power to contribute to a town’s economy.

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Carnival’s coming to town!

After a break of many years Douglas Carnival is There are also all kinds of prizes – cash and Come the evening the action shifts to the North Quay back and will take place on Saturday July 19th goods – to be won, in categories including: where the whole harbourside area will be closed to traffic 2014. and turned into ‘Party Central’ with local businesses entering into the carnival atmosphere, providing a whole Plans are under way to make this the biggest • Best Float; host of food and drink experiences and live performances event of the year staged by the Council, in • Best Walking Entry; taking place throughout the evening - an ‘after party’ to collaboration with Douglas Development Partnership and with the support of local • Best Band Entry; beat all after parties. businesses, community and volunteer groups, • Fancy Dress schools and private individuals. In this Island of Culture year, it’s time to ‘think carnival’. • Carnival King and Queen. Taking part in the carnival is free but there’s an application During the day from around 2pm, the carnival process – check out douglascarnival.im for entry forms. will take place along the entire length of …and a whole lot more. Douglas promenade – a true family fun day with parades, floats, cavalcades, live bands, For regular carnival updates follow Douglas and street entertainment. Borough Council on Facebook or e mail [email protected]

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Know Your Councillor

ST GEORGE’S WARD

Cllr Mrs S. D. A. Hackman Cllr Mrs C. A. Corlett Mr Cllr S. R. Pitts Grange Bank, 17 Belmont Terrace, 30 Cronkbourne Road, Douglas 35 Princes Street, Douglas Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 4NH Isle of Man, IM2 3LB Isle of Man, IM1 1BB Tel: 01624 677197 Tel: 01624 675554 Tel: 01624 624096 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

VICTORIA WARD

Mr Cllr D. J. Ashford, JP Cllr Mrs R. Chatel Mr Cllr J. Joughin 19 Berrywoods Avenue, Governors Hill ‘The Blossoms’ , 4 The Esplanade 60 Victoria Road, Douglas Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 7DA Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 4LR Isle of Man, IM2 4HQ Tel: 01624 679510 Tel: 01624 673360 Tel: 01624 626090 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Douglas Borough Council: Committed to the community HILLS WARD Mr Cllr D. W. Christian, MBE, JP Mr Cllr E. A. Joyce Cllr Mrs C. E. Malarkey, JP 3 Slieau Ree, Union Mills 75 Cronk Grianagh, Braddan 3 Richmond Court, Farmhill, Community events are at the very heart The Council has also been pleased to Braddan, Isle of Man, IM4 4ND Isle of Man, IM4 4RN Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 2NU of the Council’s commitment to creating support Manx National Heritage’s open Tel: 01624 852466 Tel: 01624 853888 Tel: 07624 494133 a vibrant atmosphere in the town that will day programme, opening the town hall [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] appeal to the broadest cross section of doors to members of the public so they people. Despite mounting pressures on can fi nd out more about the building’s DERBY WARD its fi nances the Council, through prudent history and displays of artwork, artefacts Mr Cllr C. L. H. Cain budgeting, has continued to stage a and memorabilia. (In addition, Douglas Mr Cllr G. J. Faragher Cllr Miss D. A. M. Pitts ‘Cavas House’ , Westmoreland Road c/o Town Hall, Ridgeway Street, 12 Westmoreland Court number of large-scale community events. Town Hall now holds offi cial Approved Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 4AW Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AD Westmoreland Road, Douglas These include the fi reworks display on Place status to serve as a licensed venue Tel: 07624 492949 Tel: 07624 417119 Isle of Man, IM1 4AL Douglas beach, the switching on of the for the solemnisation of civil marriages and [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 01624 676098 Christmas lights, family fun days in Noble’s formation of civil partnerships). [email protected] Park, the Santa tram service, children’s activities and talks for adults at the Henry MURRAY’S WARD Bloom Noble Library and, of course, this year’s Douglas Carnival. Mr Cllr W. M. Malarkey Mr Cllr R. H. McNicholl Mr Cllr J. E. Skinner Keyden House, 19 Farmhill Park 1 Westminster Drive, 6 Berkeley Street Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 2EE Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 4EG Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 3QA Some of these events might never be Tel: 01624 624634 Tel: 01624 620965 Tel: 01624 626543 on quite such an ambitious scale were [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] it not for private sector sponsorship; the Council is therefore grateful to those local businesses, many of which are having ATHOL WARD to trim their budgets and reassess their Cllr Ms K. Angela Mr Cllr S. C. Cain Cllr Mrs E. C. Quirk community engagement priorities, for their Balladane, 7 Castlemona Avenue 12 Homefi eld Close, Willaston Eary Vane, Alexander Drive continued support. Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 4EA Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 6EG Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 3QX Tel: 07624 377424 Tel: 01624 670805 Tel: 01624 674892 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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Call us... 696300

Report it... www.reportit.im

Useful Numbers

General Enquiries ...... 696300 Henry Bloom Noble Library ...... 696461 Out of Hours emergencies Housing enquiries ...... 696435 (all services) ...... 671100 Human Resources ...... 696455 Borough Cemetery ...... 696329 Waste/Street Cleaning ...... 696445 Building Control ...... 696375 Douglas Golf Course ...... 661558 Parks ...... 696330 Eastern Civic Amenity Site ...... 678217 Rates enquiries ...... 696355 Street and decorative lighting ..... 696385 Tramways ...... 696420 Enforcement (Byelaws) ...... 696326 Douglas Development Partnership.. 696308

Douglas Borough Council, Town Hall, Ridgeway Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AD

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