Braddan Commissioners has responded to a Freedom of Information request regarding the commercial hiring of Union Mills Memorial Hall during TT, following criticism on social media over pricing.
The hall, opposite Kaneens Petrol Station, was rented out during the races, which led to some criticism on social media over its pricing.
In its response, the authority noted that residents were deeply concerned about its financial management after the Roundhouse (branded the Braj Mahal by some) went several million pounds over budget.
Negotiated
In response to the FoI, the Commissioners said: “The terms of the Hire were negotiated in March and given that the facility has never been hired out during this period, any income was well received.”
It emphasised the financial benefits, noting: “The income derived from the hall hire will be used to defray the costs of other services that are provided throughout the entire Parish.”
The decision came after past issues, including vandalism and theft, when the hall was open to the public.
“Chairs were found broken, the toilets abused, and last year the charity bucket was stolen,” the response detailed.
The Commissioners confirmed the hirer, Mel Kermeen, was not a Commissioner at the time of negotiation, adding: “On election, all Commissioners are required to declare any financial interests, and the hire of the Hall was listed on the appropriate declaration form.”
Defending the arrangement, it said: “Without the property being let out, the facility would have been closed this year due to the costs, so the hire is fortuitous for the Commissioners.”
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