Due to the above title and the relevant story which can be read on the Isle of Man today website and at the time of writing this, also on the Manx Radio website, this is an over dramatic reference to the approval by Tynwald of the new bye-laws put forward by Local Government Minister Mr John Shimmin on behalf of Malew Commissioners, a number of MHKs made comments such as going back to the dark ages, and one even said she was glad she didn’t live in Ballasalla.

 

A number of bye-laws were cited as examples, the banning of singing, shouting or loud noise in the streets, the riding of skateboards, etc. in the streets, and the control over the location of condom machines by the Commissioners.

So are these so objectionable that they warrant so much fuss?

Firstly if people were to take the time to read the bye-laws in there entirety, which can be found on the Malew Commissioners website (Click here to view). It can be seen that most of the restriction are when things are taken to extreme and there-by becomes a nuisance or dangerous to the person involved or other people. As is normal with bye-laws.

 
Secondly most people seem to be under the impression that these bye-laws are unique or different. If the residents of Douglas would look on Douglas Corporations website they will find they are virtually word for word identical, I am reliably informed that the same is true of many towns in the Isle of Man.

To put the record straight on the inclusion of the control of condom machines, this was a condition put on the Commissioners by a previous DoLGE minister, that without it's inclusion the motion would not be put before Tynwald. As for control it refers to location of machines to stop them being placed on the outside of shops etc.

Maybe before everyone starts accusing Malew Commissioners of ruling like a sheriff or taking the district back to the dark ages, congratulations should be given to the Commissioners for having the consideration to put the laws before Tynwald and bringing them to the attention of everyone, rather than sneaking them in through the back door, bye-laws have been with all of us for hundreds of years and many need up dating, but how many actually know what their local bye-laws are?

The Editor