Peel commissioners have decided to take the sailing club building on Shore Road away from the sailing club that built it in the 1980s. They say it "needs maintenance", but have never inspected it. They say they want to refit and refurbish the building, endangering the shower facilities used by marina users and the town's only laundrette. There has been no consultation, no negotiation, and no consideration.

The sailing club provides a headquarters for the Moddhey Dhoo Motorcycle Club. The RNLI is an associate member. It hosts the traditional boat weekend. It hosts the traditional Peel Dip celebration. It hosts charitable events and gatherings for other Isle of Man yacht clubs. It is a valuable part of the Peel Community.

We are tired of the local authority's high-handed and dismissive attitude - particularly by chair Christine Moughtin who should not only declare her interests and excuse herself from debates when licensed premises are discussed but should hang her head in shame at her opposition and eagerness to destroy so much which benefits the town.

We have already had to suffer years of poor decision-making by Peel Town Commissioners. This year Oie Voaldyn was cancelled after Mrs Moughtin opposed it because a sponsor might compete with "nearby businesses" such as the one she works at. We have seen a failed planning application for an overblown, poorly thought-out clubhouse at the tennis courts - without any attempt to ask if ratepayers in Peel wanted to pay for it.

We call for the board to immediately reverse its decision and assure the future of a facility which provides invaluable services to Peel.

https://www.three.fm/news/isle-of-man-news/peel-commissioners-wont-renew-sailing-club-lease/

https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/peel-sailing-club-angry-at-decision-made-by-commissioners-to-end-lease/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crgyg92dwz1o

https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/peel-sailing-club-angry-at-decision-made-by-commissioners-to-end-lease-689259