Commissioners collaborate on bin collection
Two local authorities are looking to forge a closer relationship by joining forces to deal with issues like rubbish collection.
Port Erin and Malew Parish Commissioners have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to initially explore collaboration on waste services but with a view to sharing resources in the long-term.
The local authorities have formed a working group to explore closer ties, which held its first meeting on April 24.
A member of the group, Port Erin Commissioner Phil Crellin, believes the 'MOU' could enable the authorities to 'maximise value for money for the ratepayers'.
Mr Crellin claims it's common sense to share vehicles, manpower and machinery where possible but has played down speculation over the Commissioners' merging with one another.
Despite not sharing a boundary, he says Malew and Port Erin can still work well to improve their services and deliver better value for constituents.
Mr Crellin says neighbouring authorities such as Port St Mary and Rushen had been asked to discuss closer working relationships, a request that Port Erin Commissioners claim was declined at the time.
However Rushen Commissioners say they did not turn down the request.
The memorandum comes after speculation over a merger between Port St Mary and Port Erin was dismissed by both sides, despite fears of 'amalgamation by stealth' being raised by some commissioners and members of the public.
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