Present: Mrs Maiden (Chair), Mr Gunn (Vice-Chair), Mrs Glover MBE, Mr Hargraves, Mr Cringle and Mrs Jenkins.
In Attendance: The Clerk, Deputy Clerk , Member of the public
Apologies:
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
- Mrs Maiden on Southern Sheltered Housing Joint Board
1. MINUTES:
The Minutes of the Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners monthly meeting held Wednesday 19th August2026 were approved having been proposed by Mrs Glover and seconded by Mr Hargraves
2. MATTERS ARISING – not covered by the agenda
- Ballakilley recreational area – Deputy Clerk reported that work was progressing slowly.
- Port Erin Commissioners subcommittee – nothing to report.
- Ballacannell D51 Highway – nothing further to report
- Worn/damaged signs – Mill Road & Garth Avenue & Friary Park signs. Clerk reported that he was still awaiting an update from the retired Clerk. It was agreed that the Deputy Clerk and the Clerk would arrange a meeting with the retired Clerk to finalise all outstanding matters
- Destination First Board – Clerk updated the Board on progress with the revised and new signs around Cregneash. It was agreed that the signs should say Parish of Rushen.
- Fitting memorials for Gill Kelly and David Radcliffe – Deputy Clerk reported that the final part for the talking bench was the recording. It was agreed that the Deputy Clerk and Clerk would arrange a meeting with the retired Clerk to finalise all outstanding matters
- Friary Park Play Park – Mrs Glover emailed report and a visit with Isle of Play is to be arranged with Mrs Glover and the Clerk.
- Chain of Office – Clerk reported that the details for the missing bars had been provided to contractor who is now working on the project.
- Letter from resident in Odin’s Way requesting an additional streetlight – The Board agreed for the Clerk to contact the affected residents to ensure that the proposed new light is acceptable.
- Brown signs – Quilliam Group – Deputy Clerk reported that as much as possible had been done on this and no further action on this is required.
- Website updates Clerk reported that updates were happening each month and hoped to increase the amount of progress over the next few months.
- Cringle Quarry – Clerk circulated the response which basically said that a detailed response had not yet been completed.
3. RISK MATTERS
- Formation of Finance Sub Committee – On hold until after General Election
4. HIGHWAYS, ROAD MAINTENANCE AND GRASS CUTTING
– Clerk to reported on works in the parishes.
a) Various emails regarding Japanese Knotweed at Colby Bridge. It was agreed to log this with DOI Report a Problem and for the Clerk to continue dialogue with DEFA.
b) Sycamores at Colby Bridge It was agreed to log this with DOI Report a Problem
c) Millenium Wood – Email from Jason Moorhouse concerning maintenance was discussed. Clerk to contact Destination First to see if this fell under their remit and if not to consider looking for volunteers for a working party.
d) Colby Glen footpath – update from a resident. It was agreed that the Clerk would follow this up with the PROW manager at DOI and report back.
e) Overhanging trees- email from a resident. It was agreed that this was a private dispute between residents
f) Application for closure – Surby Mill Road, Rushen 05.11.26 Noted
g) Cregneash draft sign from Destination First. The sign was approved by the Board as per 2(e)
h) Fly tipping in the Parish – Clerk reported that we have had 2 instances of fly tipping in the last 3 months, both of which had been cleared within a day and before contractor could do it. It was agreed to publicise on Facebook and list the correct procedures for disposing of items.
5. SOUTHERN CIVIC AMENITY SITE – The meeting was held at Port St Mary Town Hall on Thursday 20th August 2026. All members were present and followed the revised Agenda format. Various matters relating to site improvements are still ongoing. The use of WhatsApp for site users is being encouraged, and some users have subscribed to this service. Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday 17 September 2026.
6. MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION – No meeting in the month
7. SOUTHERN SWIMMING POOL AUTHORITY – No meeting in the month
8. SOUTHERN SHELTERED HOUSING JOINT BOARD – No meeting in the month
9. SOUTHERN AUTHORITIES HEALTHCARE TRUST – No meeting in the month
10. RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER’S REPORT.
Receipts
Rent – Reayrt y Cronk – August 2,606.32
Searches August 225.00
Interest – August 367.80
2nd bins –
Rates –
ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT (inc. Vat where appropriate)
Jones Services Limited Aug 26 9,145.87
Jones Services Limited bin repairs 72.00
Jones Services Limited road sweeper 810.00
Jones Services Limited 2 extra bin collections
at Sound 180.00
Manx Telecom (divert to Clerk mobile) 40.34
Steve Booth – August 26 3,774.40
DOI Tipping August 10,861.18
Salamander Services 118.69
MUA – Halley Maclaig 151.23
MUA – Halley Maclaig 132.23
SCAS – green waste 7.00
SCAS – green waste 8.40
SCAS – green waste 16.00
Digital Group Sep – Nov 180.00
Domicilium – Domain name 3 years 119.52
Douglas City Council – bins (20) 715.20
Office World – Deputy Clerk stationery 118.14
Clerk’s salary – Standing Order 1,833.33
Clerk’s mileage 26.50
Total NI + ITIP 566.35
Deputy Clerk’s salary – Standing Order 1,882.52
Deputy Clerk’s mileage 10.55
Deputy Clerk’s expenses –
Total 30,769.45
C] Other Finance Matters
a) Financial Statements 24/25 and 25/26 – Deputy Clerk reported that 24/25 were still with Baker Tilly and 25/26 could not be completed until 24/25 finalised.
b) Internal Audit – for new Clerk’s consideration. Nothing further to report
c) Request from Endor Consultants Limited to be considered as Examiner for 26/27 noted
d) Waste charge increases at Southern Civic Amenity Site. Noted
e) Access to Government Valuer for Local Authorities – Deputy Clerk reported that the Government Valuer had not been used.
11. FINANCIAL SITUATION – the following position was noted.
Balances on 14th September 2026
IOM Bank
Arbory and Rushen (main account) 7,916.03
Reserve Account 450,367.80
HSBC Account 3,785.67
Total 462,069.50
12. CORRESPONDENCE
- Dog Byelaws and enforcement (various). This was discussed at the start of the meeting to allow the Member of the Public to update the Board on their email. Their dog had been attacked on the Ballafesson playing fields multiple times by dogs not on leads. The confusing signage at the entry points to the park was noted. Dogs off leads seen attacking the robot grass cutters with their owners filming. The resident was thanked for their time and they left at 7.30pm. It was agreed that more work was needed to enforce the byelaws in place. Suggestions around new signage, dog wardens and social media were discussed. Clerk to suggest a way forward in more detail.
- Invitation: Jeihosphere Exhibition Opening Celebrating 10 Years of Biosphere Isle of Man. Noted
- LCK Quiz for information. Noted
- Various emails concerning placing of Election signage. It was agreed that no further action required unless signs not removed in a timely manner.
- Formal Land Availability & Sequential Site Enquiry – Castletown Cricket Club – The Board agreed that none was available
- Update on long term work outstanding from a resident – Deputy Clerk reported that he had updated the resident
- City of Douglas Civic Sunday – 27th September 2026 – Mrs Maiden confirmed that she was unable to attend
- News release – Archaeological Sites in the South exhibition opens at Rushen Heritage Centre. Noted and on Facebook
- Event Notice – Festival of Motoring – 17.09.26. Noted and on Facebook
- P&M Window Cleaners Ltd – email offering services. Noted
12. A SOCIAL MEDIA
a) Nothing specific to report
13. PLANNING MATTERS
A] Planning Applications – See attached spreadsheet
No objections to any planning in the month
B] Planning Decisions (Not on spreadsheet)
None
C] Completion and Regularisation Certificates.
- Completion Certificate for Building Regulations application 21/07217/DEX. Alterations to property including new wall openings to kitchen/lounge/dining area, Installation of 3no rooflights to existing roof, 1no lantern fitted to existing sun room roof, 3no new window openings to kitchen and window replacement with sliding door to dining. 5 Ballakeyll Colby Isle of Man IM9 4AY
D] Other Planning Matters –
None
14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
- It was agreed to consider plaques for appropriate positions around the Parish. Mrs Glover to start a suggested list.
- The Christmas Event was agreed for 27 November 2026. Mrs Glover to setup.
- Mrs Glover and the Deputy Clerk reported that they were meeting with the ladies from the Colby RBL to discuss the Remembrance Parade
15. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Wednesday 21st October 2026.
Last modified: November 1, 2026