8 minutes | Monday, 20 April 2026
The Douglas North MHKs say they are still awaiting a response from Douglas Council with information about the Ballanard Road playing field six weeks after sending a letter. David Ashford and John Wannenburgh have asked the council for timelines and schedules regarding the replanting of trees and whether there are still plans to turn the site into a building compound to support the refurbishment of houses in the Willaston estate. The council recently felled 39 trees in the area and started a replanting scheme - but the MHKs say a lack of communication with residents about the situation is causing 'angst'. Mr Ashford says there are concerns about 'reinstatement works' from recent tree felling which includes large rocks, glass and rubbish found in the topsoil. He and Mr Wannenburgh believe the playing field is vital to the community and is one of very few available green spaces in the area. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to them both.