Commissioners ‘Set The Record Straight’

Following a feud over a ‘public’ toilet, Marown Commissioners says it feels it is necessary to “set the record straight”. 

The commissioners say it has been “forced” to disclose details of private discussions by making public statements online.

Marown Commissioners said it was financially “impossible” for it to remain being tenants of Marown Memorial Playing Fields.

The commissioners said it will not allow it to be “portrayed as the villain in this situation”.

Office Move

Marown Commissioners has rented an office from the playing fields for over twenty years, but said that last year the charity upped the rent by 627%.

This resulted in a back and forth offering between the two parties, which ultimately resulted in the commissioners finding another office to use.

Due to the cost increase, the decision was made for the commissioners to vacate MMPL office and passing or sharing the cost of the upkeep of a toilet facility.

The toilet which is owned by MMPL, is on private property and primarily used by the patrons of that facility. 

Cost Increase

From 2001, Marown Commissioners didn’t pay rent to use an office of MMPF’s in Hall Caine Pavilion but did pay £100 for insurance and £100 for a caretaker.

Then in February 2004, the rent was upped to £200per annum, which increased to £1000per annum from September 2011, then the following year to £1100.

It was in October 2023, that an invoice was sent from MMPF to the Commissioners for £8000per annum.

The Commissioners then responded with a counter offer of £1500, which was refused by the playing fields.

MMPF said it wanted £2000, increasing annually by £500 until it reached £4500per annum.

The commissioners did not agree and vacated the office in July 2024.

Setting The Record Straight

The Commissioners gave Manx.News this statement:

“Due to the massive increases placed on us from government we have been actively seeking ways to save money for ratepayers.

“Regrettably, this sometimes necessitates service cuts. However, we are committed to minimising the impact on the public and preserving essential services.

“So we devised other ways such as vacating our office or passing or sharing the cost of the upkeep of a toilet facility that is on private property and primary used by the patrons of that facilities. 

Marown Commissioners.

“We have maintained a quiet and professional demeanour throughout our dealings with the MMPF Committee.

“It is unfortunate that they have forced us to disclose details of our private discussions by making public statements online.

“However, we will not allow ourselves to be portrayed as the villain in this situation, especially now that the MMPF Committee has chosen to air these matters publicly.

Marown Commissioners.

“We believe in transparency and feel it is necessary to set the record straight.”