Ramsey Commissioners progressing with merging town's wards

The change could be implemented as soon as April next year

Last night Ramsey Commissioners met and discussed a number of motions which had been submitted by board members as well as the recently cancelled Ramsey in Bloom competition.

An update was provided on the local authority’s decision to merge the town's wards into one for the purposes of local authority elections.

The Department of Infrastructure has advised that a public inquiry would have to be held and is currently drafting a scheme based on the resolution.

However a draft timeline has been sent which could see the changes implemented before the local authority elections in April next year.

If this was to be followed a public consultation would be at the end of the month and Tynwald approval would need to be sought at its October sitting with the inquiry in December this year or January next year.

The acting town clerk said during the meeting that due to the election process starting in March, it may not come into force until 2029.

Six motions were submitted by Commissioner Lamara Craine, including two updates to the website and painting a pedestrian walkway in the Station Road Car park – these were approved unanimously.

However, Ms Craine’s motion to have a public ruinous properties register sparked a debate.

Her motion is to publish a table with dates where contact has been made with property owners, the address and the dates of any notices given.

A vote was taken and was split, Chair Rob Cowell, who was initially on the fence used his casting vote to support the motion.

Another of her motions which was also unanimously approved by the board is to create a zero rating policy – similar to the one recently announced by Douglas Council.

Separately a notice of motion was filed by Commissioner Juan McGuinness to introduce a whistleblowing policy for the local authority.

Mr McGuinness’ policy is based on the government’s guidance and policies, and was unanimously agreed to by the board.

An update was provided about the cancellation of the Ramsey in Bloom event that was due to be happening this weekend.

The acting town clerk said that there weren't enough entrants into the competition but admitted the announcement could’ve been handled better.

Ramsey Commissioners will meet next on the 21 August.