Frustrated at the lack of progress on the reopening of the Manxonia building, Port St Mary commissioner Richard Ashcroft proposed its refurbishment be driven by commissioners’ clerk Alastair Hamilton instead of by a special sub group.

The building, on the corner of the Promenade and Bayview Road, was bought by the local authority in October last year.

The authority petitioned the Department of Infrastructure about buying Manxonia from Decorum Ltd for £190,000. More expense will be required to refurbish the building to bring it back into use as a shop, a flat above and an office.

A sub group was appointed to oversee its refurbishment.

Mr Ashcroft proposed the sub group be ’disbanded with immediate effect and responsibility for the timely development of the property is delegated to the clerk, reporting to the board quarterly’.

Mr Ashcroft explained: ’I’m a little bit fed up with the lack of action, the lack of any first sod being turned over.

’The Sub group was set up with good intent, but it adds an unnecessary level of administration creating delays in progress.

’It’s costing money and losing revenue [from a potential tenant]. The sooner we see it completed the sooner we see a revenue stream.

’If I bought it I would want to get in there and see the minutiae sorted. As an asset it has got issues regarding damp.

’I suggest we pass it on to the clerk who has considerable experience of working on such projects being brought home on budget.’

Alec Merchant seconded the proposal and said the clerk can advise the board at stages.

Mr Ashcroft said: ’In late October we bought it, we have not seen any progress. It’s critically important.’

Chairman Bernadette Williams said: ’The sub group is a double layer because you can’t make decisions.’

Alastair Hamilton said the group was ’falling over small details when we have not decided what it’s being used for.’

Alan Grace said: ’The whole point of a sub group was instead of nine, a small group could sort things out that the board could rubber stamp. I’m happy either way so long as the job gets done.’

Michelle Haywood said: ’I agree - nine people is not the best way of doing it.’

Ian Skelly said: ’Can we have a definitive idea of what we want Manxonia to be?

’I would like to see a Tesco Express, an M&S, a Co-op, something that would bring footfall into the village, not an extension of the commissioners’ office, an ego trip for the commissioners. It should be retail. If someone is interested in buying it, it would then move forward.’

Ms Haywood proposed updates are given through it being an agenda item at commissioners’ meetings and she was seconded by Mr Grace.