The Annual General Meeting of Ballasalla and District Residents Association was held at 7:30 pm on Monday 22^nd September 2008 in the Village hall in Ballasalla.

The meeting was well attended by a good cross section of villagers totalling approximately 35.

The first duty of the evening was the appointment of officers to sit on the management committee for 2008/ 2009 the following were re-appointed;  

Mrs Gill Roy (Chairman)

Mr David Allsebrook (Treasurer)

Mr Eddie Power (Secretary)

Mr Bob Pilling

Mr Robert Cowley

Mr Donald Whittaker

Mrs Maureen Sloan.

Mr David McWilliams and Ms Kathleen Lennon and informed the committee that they did not wish to stand for another year, might we at this point thank both of them for their time, assistance and very useful in-put over the last year and before, we wish them well.

Mr Barry Nutter was appointed as a new committee member and we welcome him and look forward to working with him.

The meeting then moved on to the Secretary – Treasurer’s report for 2007/2008, this included an update on the Poachers Pocket Development concerns were aired from the floor with regard to the recent planning application for 2 two storey houses, which is contrary to the original planning, which was for only single storey properties and it also increases the total houses on the site from the agreed 22 to 24. It was agreed that we shall keep a close eye on developments and put our concerns to the relevant people.

The members were updated on the Crossag Development as far as it is now a subject of a Petition of Doleance by the Developer due to be heard before Deemster Kerruish in the High Court in Douglas on 2^nd,3^rd and 4^th December 2008.

The meeting then moved on the Southern Area Plan members were each given an Issues and Options Response form for them to fill out at a later date, putting their views and opinions, and then be forwarded to the Department of Local Government and the Environment by the 24^th October 2008, Mr Bob Pilling  suggested that a public meeting should be held to assist anyone with filling out the form and to answer any question relevant to the Southern Plan, this was agreed and a date will be announced at a later date, it was also suggested by Mrs Gill Roy Chairman, that may be a copy of the Southern Plan could be made available by link or complete on the association website www.badra.org for members to study. Mr Eddie Power said he would look into that and implement as soon as possible. It was pointed out by a number of members how important it was that people’s views are voiced on such an important piece of legislation, and not just by groups, but by individuals.

Mr Graham Cregeen MHK brought up the planning application by DoLGE for the refurbishment of fences, parking areas, paths etc on the Cobbold Close,

The on going problem of excessive speed by vehicles through the Village centre was brought up by a number of people, especial at the present time while traffic is being advised to go through the village while the on going road works are taking place outside King Williams College. It was pointed out that the DoT had done all they can in the village, but the bulk of the problem is the way people drive. A suggestion was put forward that a Smiley Box ( a box showing approaching vehicles speeds) might help if placed on Bridge Road, The members were informed it was up to the Commissioners to purchase these, a suggestion of a letter to them requesting one might be the way forward, this was agreed.

The continuing subject of the By-Pass was also brought up, members were told by Mr Graham Cregeen MHK that it is moving forward and he is monitoring and having discussions with the relevant people.

A Youth Club for the village was also discussed and agreed it was an urgent need, the biggest obstacle being that the Commissioners do not own any land where it could be sited, but it is high on the priority list for the village.

A slightly humours discussion on the subject of the new By-Laws which came into operation earlier in the year took place, but the members understood the need and the reasons for them, the humour was more aimed at certain people’s misreading and over the top reactions.

Mr Robert Cowley put forward a vote of thanks to our MHK Mr Graham Cregeen for his hard work and assistance since his election. This was greeted with applause from all present.

The Meeting Closed at approx 9:30pm          

Might I take opportunity to point out that membership for 2008/2009 is now available at the small sum of five pounds per person or seven pounds fifty pence per household please contact any committee member or telephone The Secretary 823359.

Eddie Power Secretary