Ramsey Commissioners have spoken of their anger at the threat of possible rate increases if the Queen’s Pier is refurbished.

Last week, a working group revealed five options for the pier, ranging from complete refurbishment to demolition.

However, Ramsey ratepayers could face a rate rise to help foot the bill.

The matter’s gone out to public consultation via a questionnaire.

At this week’s board meeting, members expressed their unhappiness.

James Davis reports:

(Text of attached audio)
Jan Fergusson described the questionnaire as the ‘worst’ she’d ever seen and a ‘waste of money’ and added the powers-that-be needed to listen to what had already been said to avoid wasting further time.

That theme was taken up by Kevin Crowe who pointed to a number of heritage attractions in other parts of the Island which had gone ahead without the need for such a process and with central government funding – some of which were only used for a few months each year.

And he said to have the audacity to suggest rates could increase as a result of the work spoke volumes, particulary after so many years of government inactivity and numerous costly reports.

Edwina Carlile said it was vital to refurbish one of the few remaining piers in the British Isles and if it had been in Douglas, it would have been restored years ago.