Braddan Parish Commissioners Recent News

Braddan Dog Control Byelaws 2009

Braddan Parish Commissioners, mailto:braddan@manx.net — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:48:00 GMT

The Braddan Dog Control Byelaws 2009 are in operation, having been formally approved by Tynwald in June 2009.

You can read the full Byelaws in 'Related Items' below.

Give your home an energy medical

Braddan Parish Commissioners, mailto:braddan@manx.net — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:15:00 GMT

This service is a one off FREE visit available to every household on the Isle of Man regardless of age or income.

The Energy Doctor, supported by Age Concern, the Department of Local Government and the Environment and Bright Ideas will visit your home and help you to bring down your energy costs.

He will do this by carrying out an assessment of each property and offering you free energy saving materials, all of which he can fit there and then. The materials that can be provided are as follows:-

.    Energy efficient light bulbs
.    Draught excluders to doors and letterboxes
.    Reflective radiator panels
.    Cistern packs to reduce water usage
.    Hot water tank jackets

The above items are free of charge.

While he is with you he can also advise you on:

.    Correct loft insulation requirements
.    Cavity wall insulation
.    Double glazing (if none already installed)
.    Regular servicing of boilers

To book your free visit, contact Age Concern and ask for The Energy Doctor on 613044/414274 or email energydoctor@ageconcerniom.com

Braddan Parish Commissioners Finances - October 2009

Braddan Parish Commissioners, mailto:braddan@manx.net — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:32:00 GMT

Press Release
Braddan Parish Commissioners
9th September 2009

Braddan Parish Commissioners are conscious that concern has been expressed recently by a member of the public, on a number of Manx Radio Mannin Line programmes, questioning why several years' annual accounts of the Authority have not yet been signed off by the Auditors. The Commissioners share this concern, but prefer to have the accounts thoroughly audited in preference to a quick and perfunctory inspection.

It is now well known that, following March 2007, a significant deficit was revealed by the Authority, and the Commissioners were gravely concerned about this situation; particularly as they had been previously provided with printed financial information predicting the accounts would be in surplus at the year end.

An immediate investigation was launched by the Commissioners - with the help and advice of the Dept of Local Government and Treasury's Internal Audit division - to discover how such a situation could have occurred without their knowledge and to learn what measures could be put in place to prevent it from happening again.

This investigation raised a number of issues, some of which stretched back over a considerable period of years, which have had an impact on the treatment of certain items of expenditure and a knock-on effect on the auditing, and signing-off, of the accounts.

A comprehensive report was produced for the Commissioners identifying a number of weaknesses in their procedures and making a wide range of recommendations - all of which, have been or, are now being addressed; and the Commissioners and the Department are now satisfied the Authority has much more robust and rigorous procedures in place.

As a result the Commissioners are confident that a similar situation is now far less likely to re-occur, or it will be identified at an early stage, and successfully addressed before it becomes a significant problem.

However, the Auditors still have several areas of concern relating to the accounts ending March 2006 and these are currently being reviewed. Once the accounts for 2005/6 have been completed and signed off the Commissioners anticipate that the other outstanding accounts will be finalized reasonably quickly.

The Commissioners wish to reassure ratepayers that the Authority's finances are now in a very healthy state and also wish to quash the rumour the Authority is � � million overdrawn. The Authority is not overdrawn and, in fact, does not have an overdraft facility at this moment in time.

Finally, the Commissioners wish to remind Braddan ratepayers they hold their main monthly Board meeting, generally the last Tuesday in the month, in public and remain the only Authority who formally provides time at the start of their meetings for ratepayers to ask the Board questions.

Also, as the result of a decision made at the September Board meeting, a pack of financial information is now made available for inspection by ratepayers at our public counter at our office in Snugborough.

Mrs M Hodge
Chairman
Braddan Parish Commissioners

Contact in the Office:

J C Whiteway
Clerk
852808

Estimates Comparison - 2006/7 to 2009/10

Braddan Parish Commissioners, mailto:braddan@manx.net — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:35:00 GMT

Please find below in 'Related Items' a comparison of the Commissioners Estimates over the past four financial years.

Lieutenant Governors visit to Braddan

Braddan Parish Commissioners, mailto:braddan@manx.net — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:34:00 GMT

In June, the Lieutenant Governor Vice Admiral Sir Paul Haddacks KCB, together with Lady Haddacks visited Braddan Parish Commissioners and met the Chairman, Mrs Margaret Hodge, Commissioners and staff.

After a brief stop at the Commissioners Office for introductions and coffee, the Lieutenant Governor and Lady Haddacks were taken on a tour of the parish accompanied by the Commissioners and well known local historian, Peter Kelly MBE.

The itinerary is below:

1. Injebreck Reservoir.

2. St Lukes Church - The Warden, Mr Tom Cowell MBE gave a tour of the church and this was followed by a walk up to Keeil Abban (Old Tynwald Hill).

3. Union Mills Football Club - They were met by the President of the UMFC, Mr Peter Cain, Mr Stephen Carter and Mrs Judy Watkins. A cheque was presented by UMFC to The Reverend Canon Philip Frear, Chairman of the Braddan Endowment Committee following fundraising over the New Year.

4. Cronkbourne Village, followed by lunch at Cronkbourne House by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Graham Warwick.

5. Braddan School - where they were greeted by the Headmistress, Mrs Oates and met the children.

6. Braddan Cemetery, Kirk Braddan Church and Old Kirk Braddan Church -A tour & history of the churches was given by the Reverend Canon Frear

7. Union Mills and the Railway Station - they were given a history of the village and met Pat Ingram, Project Director from the Probation Service to look at work done at the railway station by young offenders.

Legal Action; Commissioners issue Press Release

Braddan Parish Commissioners, mailto:braddan@manx.net — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:32:00 GMT

Braddan Parish Commissioners
Press Release

Braddan Parish Commissioners wish to make clear to all - following recent extravagant headlines in the press - the Authority will be vigorously defending and contesting the legal action brought against them. Counter claims will, almost certainly, be lodged and the Board are confident of success.

The Commissioners wish to reassure ratepayers that, even though there has been a reduction in the rates this year, they had anticipated such an action and took it into account during the rate setting process. Therefore, the Commissioners do not anticipate having to make any changes to their business plan 2009/10 sent to ratepayers earlier this year.

Furthermore, our tenants should rest assured that our Housing Fund is quite separate from the General Fund, and that this legal action will have absolutely no effect whatsoever, on our housing maintenance plans.

If any ratepayer does have an individual or specific concern in respect of this matter, the Commissioners will be more than happy to discuss those concerns with them. However, this will have to be on the understanding we may be limited in the amount of information or answers that can be provided at this time.

The Commissioners would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people that have offered, and continue to offer, support over the last two years, it is much appreciated.

Braddan Parish Commissioners
7th July 2009

Mrs M Hodge
Chairman
611411

Role of Community Warden

Braddan Parish Commissioners, mailto:braddan@manx.net — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:08:00 GMT

Background

The role was launched in February 2004, to deal with a complex range of social problems, including anti social behaviour and high crime levels, predominantly criminal damage and drug related problems.

Purpose

The purpose of the role was to establish a neighbourhood warden for the Local Authority to act as a link between the community, Board of Commissioners and the community police team. The role of the warden is to prevent crime, act as a mentor to children and as a go between in tenant disputes.

Funding

The role is funded by the Local Authority.

Community Safety Implications

The objective is to participate with partner organisations in the reduction of crime and disorder, preventing offending by young offenders, and impacting on the connection between drugs, alcohol and offending.

Tackling Crime

The role tackles a wide range of crime and issues relating to community safety and involvement, especially; youth offending, drug issues, anti social behaviour and social exclusion.

Community and Partnership Working

Good liaison with the residents, local authority tenants, and the police has helped this role to develop. There have been reward schemes relating to young offenders which have resulted in some not re-offending. The community has become more proactive in tackling crime and anti social behaviour by reporting incidents to the warden. There has also been a reduction in problem tenant behaviour, such as illegal substance abuse, fighting, abusive behaviour and other anti social behaviour. With regards to partnership working, a protocol for information sharing and working practices has been drawn up between the police and the local authority.

Results - Local impact

Since the role has been in place there has been a reduction in calls to the police and a drop in anti social behaviour complaints. Many residents have reported a big increase in satisfaction with regards their quality of life. An ASB policy has been compiled and put into practice. Leaflets have been compiled relating to ASB, Noise Nuisance and the Tree and High Hedge Act all explaining how these matters can be dealt with. The first ASBO was awarded on the Isle of Man due to evidence collated from the role with a number of ABC's also entered into. There has been one eviction due to ASB and drug related crime and two pending evictions which led the tenants to leave prior to completion.

Future Schemes 2009/10

Plans are currently in place to commence;

Community speed watch scheme in partnership with the police which aim's to train volunteers to carry out speed monitoring.

Braddan Young Persons Committee to involve 13 to 18 year olds in decisions that will affect them and to participate in the provision of community schemes.

Imminent introduction of new Dog Byelaws

New General Byelaws which are currently with DOLGE and the AG awaiting approval.

Civic Amenity Site

Braddan Parish Commissioners, mailto:braddan@manx.net — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:19:00 GMT

The Eastern Civic Amenity Site is located at Middle River Industrial Estate, Douglas.

It is for the disposal of unwieldy items of domestic refuse.

The contact telephone number is 678217.

Opening Hours:

Winter:
8.00 a.m to 4.00 p.m. daily (weather conditions permitting)
1st October to 31st March

Summer:
Monday to Saturday, 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Sunday, 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
1st April to 30th September

Bank Holidays:
Hours are 8am to 4pm

Closed on Christmas Day, New Years Day and Tynwald Day

Permits are no longer required at the Eastern Civic Amenity Site.

You should however be aware that to dispose of Fridges & Freezers, you will be required to show proof of "Identification " and a "Utility Bill" as the free disposal of these items is only available to the residents of Douglas, Onchan, Braddan, Laxey, Lonan and Santon, the fees for the disposal of Fridges & Freezers is included within the rates they pay.

Garden Competition 2009

Braddan Parish Commissioners, mailto:braddan@manx.net — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:58:00 GMT

Now the days are lengthening it's time to start thinking about your garden and the Commissioners Garden Competition 2009.

The format has changed slightly this year to a much simpler one. There are now just three prizes, under one heading of "Best Garden in the Parish".

1st Prize - �20.00 Garden Centre Voucher
2nd Prize - �15.00 Garden Centre Voucher
3rd Prize - �10.00 Garden Centre Voucher

If you wish for your garden to be entered in the competition, please print and complete the application form in 'Related items' below and send it to the Commissioners Office.

If there is a garden you know of that you feel merits an entry into the competition, you can nominate it by completing the nomination form in 'Related items' below and sending it to the Office. We will then write out to the occupier of the property to confirm that they are happy to be included in the judging.

If you wish your garden to be put forward by the Commissioners for the Large or Small Garden Section in the Britain in Bloom Competition, please indicate this in the space provided on the application form.

The closing date for entries is 30th June 2009.

Memorial Hall & Boardroom Hire

Braddan Parish Commissioners, mailto:braddan@manx.net — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:10:00 GMT

The Memorial Hall, located on the main road in Union Mills and the Boardroom in the Commissioners Office are both available for hire.

The Memorial Hall has a capacity of up to 60 people and has the following facilites:-

Private car park to the rear
Disabled access
Small kitchen with cooker
Badminton court
Front garden

Available for hire for private parties, clubs etc. Sessions available throughout the day and evenings.

The Boardroom has the following facilities available:-

Private car park with plenty of parking spaces
Projector & and whiteboard (laptop available to use with whiteboard)
Tea & coffee making facilities
Seats up to 20 people

Available for hire during the week and evenings for meetings/staff training etc.

For further information, please contact the Commissioners Office on 852808 or braddan@braddan.gov.im