Water wheel proposal needs further scrutiny

Wed, 27 Jun 2018

One of the Island's local authorities says a proposal to repair the Groudle Glen water wheel needs further scrutiny.

Onchan District Commissioners have been considering a proposals from an engineer who is prepared to supervise work on the structure with a voluntary workforce on a voluntary basis.

The offer estimates the cost of the project would be around £20,000, while a previous tender exercise found restoring the wheelhouse and water wheel would cost around £200,000.

The board says it would need more details to verify that the £20,000 estimate is realistic and achievable, and are concerned that extra costs would likely be incurred.

The Commissioners considered the cost of the restoration when compiling its budget for the last two years, but decided that it was in the best interest of the ratepayers for the money to be used elsewhere.