Onchan Commissioners are open to suggestions on how to save the historic waterwheel in Groudle Glen.

Last week’s Manx Independent reported on questions raised in Tynwald by Garff MHK Daphne Caine about the dilapidated state of the wheel and the run-down condition of the glen in general.

Michael Morrison, clerk to Onchan Commissioners, said inquiries had been made about the cost of repairs to the waterwheel building but these were prohibitive.

’We’ve known for some years that work would be needed,’ he said.

’Some cosmetic work has been done but really the structure is an issue now, particularly the wheelhouse.’

He said the building was supported by four girders, driven into the rock and these were now rotting to the point of making the building unsafe, hence the security fencing that currently surrounds it. While it poses no danger to walkers on the path, it would be inadvisable to enter it.

Commissioners have researched what can be done and consulting engineers have compiled reports, tenders have also been taken to assess the possible cost of repairs.

shocked

’We had an idea of the likely cost in materials but what shocked the commissioners was the overall cost including labour,’ Mr Morrison said, adding some assessments had been in the region of £200,000 to make the building safe and make the wheel turn again.

’The board of commissioners considered this but did not feel it was a priority at the moment,’ he said.

In fact, calculations suggested to spend the money would mean each of the Onchan rate payers contributing an extra £4.20 on their bills over the next 10 years.

’In that context, the board thinks that money could be better spent elsewhere and it would place an added burden on people to put up the rates,’ he said.

The conclusion of all this is that the money will not be spent this financial year; what happens in the future is undecided.

’Everyone seems to say, "we’d like to keep it but...". So far we have had correspondence it should be saved and a few suggestions about how, but no offers of actual practical help,’ he said.

The wheel’s location in a narrow gorge adds to the logistical difficulties of repairs, with all equipment and materials needing to be transported down and back up again.

Meanwhile, the commissioners are hoping someone may offer help.

The wheel was originally put in place in the Victorian era to pump water up to the Groudle Glen hotel. Later, it drove a generator to power the decorative lighting in the glen, illuminating the way down to the railway. In recent years, despite its history, the wheel has had no practical function, though it did revolve and had proved to be a popular tourist attraction.