Port St Mary Commissioners discuss civic amenity site changes

Committee member says it would have been sensible to publicise policy change

The new charges at the Southern Civic Amenity Site were discussed at Port St Mary Commissioners' monthly board meeting after a statement was made detailing the new policy.

Commissioner Norman McGregor Edwards, who is the representative on the joint committee said the change was made in February.

But he said with ‘hindsight’ it would’ve been ‘sensible’ to publicise the change so residents were made aware.

Earlier this week, the facility announced a new limit restricting residents to disposing of six small bags of waste a month had been brought in.

The two new members to the board, David Scott and Jean Teare, were formally welcomed after the by-election last week.

A proposal was made by Mrs Teare to publish the private agenda on the website and on social media so residents can see what issues are being discussed by the board.

Currently only the public agenda and minutes are published.

Commissioner Laurence Vaughan-Williams said he was against the idea because he was worried about breaking the legislation in place which stops matters in private being made public, which includes a fine.

He said a warning should be placed so people reading understand the consequences, but believes that what is discussed in the private meeting should remain so.

Commissioner David Scott said it would show people that the board are discussing matters and they’re not being ignored.

The proposal was voted in favour of by five votes to one.

It was also confirmed at the meeting that the Managing Director of the Steam Packet will speak at a memorial service for Mona’s Queen.