Reassurance from minister over bypass concerns

Students at QEII High School are up in arms over the possibility of a road going through their playing fields.

The story stems from an article in the local press almost a fortnight ago, which said both Peel Commissioners and the Ballawattleworth Action Group believed it could form part of a bypass from the Poortown Road to Douglas Road.

Nick Lodge, from the school's student council, says the first they knew of the proposal was when QEII's head teacher told them about it on Thursday (first part of audio file):

Another member of the student council, Kaya Teare, says she also found out on Thursday.

She is worried about the impact it could have not just on the school, but Peel as a whole (second part of audio file):

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne has responded to the concerns, posting on a Facebook page which has been set up in opposition to the plan.

Among other things, he says he would never support such a proposal and doesn't believe the developer, Heritage Homes, has applied for permission to build a road through the playing fields.

He also praises whoever set up the group, adding government does listen to and take notice of people.

His response in full can be found by searching for 'Save QEII Playing Fields' on Facebook.