Might I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has taken time to contact the Webmaster or myself and praise us on the website many thanks.
We have had an interesting few weeks with the Crossag decision the select committee and not least a successful public meeting it was nice to see everyone.

On the Crossag decision I have been stopped by a number of residents from Clagh Vane who have asked we are happy with the decision, but what happens now with us? Well there is something in the pipeline not from government but from us, we will be in touch with everyone separately in the week after half term, half term for those without children of school age is the 11th to 15th Feb inclusive, as for news from DOLGE well we all know how long it takes departments to think!!  On the subject of DOLGE a number of complaints have been brought forward with regard to letters sent to tenants who maybe a few days late with the rent, and in one case reported to me personally a letter was sent to a tenant who was £1.50p in arrears, and that is not a misprint I mean £1.50p the letter threatened eviction. I appreciate the need for the reduction in rent arrears but surely a little tact and politeness might have a better effect, it is nice to see maintenance being done again around Clagh Vane, no matter how small, it has been a long time since we had so much activity.

As for the Select Committee hopefully some sort of decision or statement by March I believe, Our Secretary David has asked me to elaborate a little on his report in the paper, with regard to the flooding, of the original 20 bungalows planned only 10 would have been flood in the event of flooding but the water would have been moved into Silverburn estate causing flooding there, also although the need for flood protection for Poachers Pocket was a planning condition, flood relief for Silverburn was only a recommendation. Having read in detail the newspaper reports I am at a loss to understand how the planning department and the developer missed the fact that the site was a flood plain surely any where a river runs through unless you are looking at banks of 4 or more meters is at risk of flooding!!

On the same subject as was stated in our meeting report astonishment was declared at the killing or cutting down of 40+ trees I repeat as was stated there what are the forestry department doing!! If this was my back garden and I cut down one tree I am sure I would have had the threat of prosecution. So come on the forestry department lets hear your answers, their silence is deafening.
On the subject of Government speaking out, I have a direct message for Chief Minister Tony Brown, the people of Ballasalla are angry at your statement, we have done a disservice to the people of the Isle of Man, we have stood up to you, your government and will not be bullied, that is democracy at work, We had more than 2 years of being told don’t bother to fight the Crossag development it is going to happen!! If you had stopped a read the signs no one would have been surprised or devastated, right back at the last election our previous MHK stood on the support for the development.

That’s enough of the politics, a number of people have asked about the 3 weeks so far, closing of Silverdale glen footpath, I am told it is a forestry department decision because of dangerous trees, I have spoken to someone who is hoping to get more information so I’ll keep you posted. Don’t forget Colin Jackson is looking into the state of all the footpaths around the area so if you have anything to report please get in touch with him.

Nice to see the extension of the recycling service to grass cuttings, by Malew Commissioners, to everyone as usual the commissioners are way ahead of government on the reduce, re-use, recycle subject well done.

The ‘Guardian’ is moving forward now so anyone with anything you wish to put in print or anyone who wishes to advertise in it please get in touch with David Allsebrook or myself and I’ll pass it on, also anyone who wishes to put a link on here or advertise here for a small donation contact me or the webmaster.

A reminder to all committee members there is a committee meeting in the usual place at 7:30pm on Monday 18th Feb.