A memorandum of understanding between Castletown Commissioners and Castletown Parks Charity was rejected by the local authority at a recent meeting.

The memorandum formalises the arrangement between the local authority and the charity, which aims to improve facilities in Poulsom Park principally by providing a better skatepark than the one already there.

It states it is ’to record the basis and outline the understanding between them of their joint desire to advance the restoration, regeneration and promotion of Poulsom Park and how this will be achieved’.

It outlines the mutual collaboration, support and full consultation required by both parties. The sticking point for the local authority was clause four, which reads: ’The commissioners recognise the CPC as the principal promoter of Poulsom Park.’

Commissioners’ chairman Colin Leather said: ’As soon as saw it I said: "No".’

Clerk Hugo Mackenzie said the agreement is to facilitate the charity approaching donors and securing funding; it was drawn up several years ago by a previous board.

’All you need is a note of intent,’ said Jerry Ludford-Brooks. Carol Quine said: ’Poulsom Park belongs to the people of Castletown.’ She added the agreement ’has to be scrapped. I propose it be removed.’

Mr Leather said the charity needs ’a letter of support to approach people like the Lottery Trust’.

They don’t, said Ms Quine. She added it was not necessary for the town’s railway supporters’ club, of which she is a member.

Mr Mackenzie said: ’It has to be formalised.’

Dave Paernell said: ’We support Jimmy (Cubbon, the commissioner leading the skatepark project, who was not at the meeting) in what he is doing, people in town do.

’He will find it difficult (to raise funds) without something. The way it is written it is not legally binding.’

’Then why have it?’ asked Ms Quine.

Mr Leather proposed ’the clerk find a (different) way of formalising the arrangement’ and ne was seconded by Mr Ludford Brooks.

Mr Mackenzie added an agreement will ’provide continuity so you do not find a new board does a *-turn’.

Afterwards a frustrated Mr Cubbon said: ’I am not happy about the MOU, unqualified people not listening to the clerk or the commissioners’ own legal advice.

’ I’m hoping to secure £20k from a trust next month and can’t apply without a formal agreement between the charity and the commissioners . It’s the young people of the town and the south that are being held back ’