The meeting took place with our MP on Friday, 15th April 2016. Those present were Vernon Coaker, his secretary Collette and, representing Friends of Onchan Park, Nicolas Kyriacou and Terry Pollard. Vernon Coaker appeared very well informed about the situation and demonstrated detailed knowledge of Onchan Park and its current condition.
We presented our setup and intentions (constitution, committee, bank account, etc) and informed him of our survey, planned petition, focus groups etc.
Vernon Coaker appeared to be very supportive of our cause and when asked directly, pledged his support to us. When asked what his views were on the way we are approaching the issue, Vernon Coaker confirmed that we are doing everything that needs to be done correctly and that we should continue along our proposed lines. He also stated that we should continue to liaise with our Ward Councillors, Paul Wilkinson and Nicki Brooks and to pursue David Wakelin for answers as and when required.
With regards to our problem of pinning down a timeline in which to deliver our proposals, the secretary informed us that the Council’s Cabinet meetings are published on their website a week in advance. However, Vernon Coaker promised to pursue the issue for us and to inform us directly, when known, of the date of the relevant Cabinet meeting.
The Cabinet meetings are open to the public, however, members of the public are not allowed to speak or actively take part. Once a decision has been taken, the recommendation has then to be presented to Full Council for formal approval (also, a public meeting).
Regarding legal advice, Vernon Coaker stated that we should pursue that with David Wakelin or through our local councillors and that the Council’s Legal team should give us all the legal advice that we require.
Vernon Coaker has a meeting with the Sacred Heart School in “a couple of weeks’ time” and understands that they (together with the other local schools) are on board with us regarding our wish to retain Onchan Park in its entirety.
The meeting concluded after about 20 minutes and Vernon Coaker said that we could telephone or email his secretary at any time that we needed to.