Campsite Grading Report
Cronk Dhoo Farm Camping Park, Main Road, Greeba, Isle of Man
Grading Report Assessor: Margaret McLellan Date: 1st June 1999
Good signage and well surfaced access road provides a very good first impression to this camping park. Since last year additional facilities have been provided within the first building although there are still some finishing touches to complete which will be done after TT fortnight. This will include the provision of a camping barn facility. Road stone has now been used to give a better access to each of the camping fields. Farm machinery etc. in some areas detracts a little form the overall appearance. Tidy gardens and well planted tubs to the front of the house also give a very good impression on arrival and as one walks round the site.
A long hose is in place to be used for a fire point. As discussed it would be better if this could be neatly presented by being coiled round and provided with a cover which would help to stop it perishing. An action notice would also be useful to remind campers of the action to be taken in the event of a fire. Having dustbins in neat compounds at various points around the site could discourage litter. Currently refuse collection appears to be rather rusty old barrels which have no covers. Hard standing has been provided for motor homes close to the amenity building and electrics sockets are provided in a covered box. As discussed it may be worthwhile considering having the standard electric hookup points, as many units will come complete with the cable and connection to use these.
A very good water point is provided at the top of the field to the right of the access road. It has hard standing and good drainage. Some others are not as well presented and the field to the left of the driveway, as discussed at the time of the visit, currently has no water supply and this is needed as the 2 Key requirement is that there should be a standpipe within 50 yards of each tent. Close to the reception office a deep sink is provided for washing up pots and pans.
There is a franchised food unit on site. Unfortunately no time was stated for opening and closing. A wide range of tourist and local information is available but as discussed at the time of the visit some of this was more difficult for visitors to access as it was in the reception office.
Ground maintenance is of an acceptable standard. Problems were being experienced in the field in front of the house at the time of the visit but this I was assured was a very temporary situation. In the top field it will be important for campers to choose their pitch carefully as there is still much evidence of the previous occupation by animals. The natural slope of the land means that there are certain parts of the fields more suitable for pitching tents than others. It may be worthwhile considering marked pitches which would also help to ensure campers abide by the spacing requirements.
Very good kitchen facility has been provided in the barn. Breeze block finish could be improved on. A very sophisticated heating system has apparently been installed for the hot water etc. but in a number of areas there are exposed pipes which are not boxed in which does not enhance the overall effect. Good equipment. Perhaps in time the range of cooking utensils etc. could be extended. At present there appears to be a mismatch of crockery etc. A mix of furniture is provided in this area which will allow for campers to meet together socially in the evening or on wet days.
