Peel Commissioners unsupportive of six new EV charging points in town car park

It was on the agenda at last nights public meeting

Peel Commissioners met last night to discuss a number of issues affecting the town.

These included electrical vehicle charging points in car parks, new dates for the Christmas light switch on and bonfire night fireworks as well as levelling the football pitches on the headlands.

An application had been made for six electrical vehicle charging points in the Douglas Street car park.

The board agreed that spaces in the town are in short supply and the ones in that area are used to capacity.

Commissioner Sharon Lambert said a summer work experience student, who’s been surveying the car parks, reported that EV spaces are often ‘left empty’ because people won’t park in them due to the electrical charging equipment.

Clerk Derek Sewell confirmed there’s one charging point outside the public toilets in Market Place car park, whilst Deputy Chair Frank Crompton said there’s no need for six and there’s enough available for people to use in the Tesco car park.

Commissioner Christine Moughtin and Mrs Lambert agreed that six charging points was too many.

It was unanimously agreed by the board not to support the request.

Also on the agenda was an application for funding to level the five-a-side area on the headlands.

Chair of Peel Commissioners Ray Harmer told the board that there wasn’t enough information and was unsure about what the group was ‘trying to achieve’.

He added that he didn’t understand how much money was needed and that there needed to be quotes provided to the local authority to see what work should carried out.

Mr Crompton added that the path by the pitch needs to be fixed, whilst Mrs Lambert had concerns about whether the area would be fenced off as it is well used by dog walkers.

It was agreed by the board that the matter be dealt with by the commissioners' finance committee.

An update was also provided on the local authority’s bonfire night fireworks and Christmas light switch on event.

The clerk said a firework display had been scheduled for the 29 October, to make sure it was ahead of the queenie season and to coincide with an event happening on the beach that evening.

Mr Harmer said that was too early, but due to harbour and breakwater restrictions the last available date is 30 October.

It was agreed by the board to hold it on 30 October and the Christmas light switch on was planned for the 29 November.

Peel Commissioners will next meet on Thursday 18 September.