Port Erin Commissioners object to removal of Cregneash bus route

Local authority says service needs to support residents and workers

Port Erin Commissioners met last night and discussed a number of issues facing the village.

The local authority discussed the government’s proposal to remove the license to operate a bus route to Cregneash by the Road Traffic Licensing Committee.

It said it goes against the government’s strategy and in the data released Go Card figures weren’t included.

They also raised concerns that the time period of 365 days isn’t reflective of how the service has been used – which it believed is seasonally.

Commissioner Marc Morely said the board should send a response to the RTLC outlining its objections to the government’s plan and suggest services are run daily.

Commissioner Hannah Mackenzie also said that residents who live in the area would also be relying on the bus, and those who work at the café and tourist site may also need it too.

It was agreed by the board to submit these points to the RTLC as well as contacting other local authorities to do the same.

Also on the agenda was the consultation into the waste strategy and the potential for its centralisation.

A concern was raised by Mrs Mackenzie that the consultation period was too short, however the clerk confirmed that that it has been extended from five weeks to ten weeks.

He also said there will be a chance to engage with the department after the consultation has been completed, and a further meeting will also take place on the finalisation of any legislation being introduced.

The board agreed unanimously to wait until the initial meeting with the department rather than submit a group answer.

Data from an audit of 157 domestic bins carried out by Southern Civic Amenity Site showed a high amount of food waste thrown out.

The audit was completed by Douglas Council, who were brought in because of their experience, said the weight of the bins averaged between 3kg and 82kg.

Bins were taken from different areas in the south and were from a mix of social, private and residential housing.

Commissioner Barbara Guy said the Island is ‘behind the times’ when it comes to food waste as councils in the UK provide food waste bins to residents.

A follow-up message from Port Erin RNLI about parking issues by the station was received by the board.

At last month’s meeting the board were told that on busy days lifeboat crew can struggle to find a space for their vehicles when responding to call outs.

The commissioners said it had received a message about double parking around the promenade over the weekend leaving crew with nowhere to go.

It agreed to respond and try and come up with a solution for them.

Port Erin Commissioners will next meet on Tuesday 8 October.