Jurby Commissioners choose new chair for the next year

Darren Hope was chosen following re-election to the local authority in April

A new chair of Jurby Commissioners was chosen at its annual general meeting last night.

Darren Hope, who was re-elected to the board in April will serve in the role for the next year.

The local authority also discussed a number of issues affecting the parish, including a bus shelter planning application, the need for a by-election and dog poo byelaws.

Mr Hope was unanimously elected to the position of chair by the other two board members.

Phil Corkill will serve as the new vice-chair of the board, having joined the local authority following the April elections.

Mr Hope told Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper, the new members are ‘keen’ and enthusiastic about joining the commissioners:

Also on the agenda was a discussion about a planning application for a bus shelter.

A bench, which was gifted to the local authority has been damaged, leaving the back rest attached to the wall inside the hut.

Mr Corkill said he had spoken to the owner of the shelter who confirmed it wasn’t him, and asked the other members if it should be replaced.

The board agreed to leave it until the outcome of the planning application.

An update was also provided about an upcoming by-election needed for the parish.

Clerk Barry Kennedy said the board was quorate with three members, but two more are needed.

He confirmed the cabinet office were working on a date in July for the five constituencies, which includes Jurby, to hold an election.

Mr Corkill asked if the notice could go into the local shops and businesses so people are aware and fellow Commissioner Yasmin Cowell asked if leaflets could be made.

The clerk also asked the board for their views on an updated set of dog poo byelaws.

It’s proposed that dogs will be banned from the children’s play area, and faeces must be removed from any highway or pavement within the parish.

A fixed penalty notice of £50 would be set or if someone is convicted, they could receive a fine of up to £1,000.

The board agreed to these terms.

Jurby Commissioners will next meet on Monday, 9 June.