Views gathered on future town square vehicle ban

People are being encouraged to share their views on the future pedestrianisation of a town square after a bid to ban vehicles during winter previously divided opinion.

A consultation, which will run until 26 August, has been launched by Castletown Commissioners on its future policy on banning vehicles in Market Square.

The new local authority board said it planned to keep the summer closure but reverse previous plans to extended that to winter, instead only shutting the space for community events.

The consultation also includes plans to shorten the period of time the square is shut under the summer closure.

Under the proposals, the summer closure would begin from the first Saturday in May instead of the current 1 March.

The reinstatement of parking would also be brought forward to the first Monday in September from the end of that month.

However, the space is proposed to be closed during the Easter weekend each year.

The local authority said it planned to put movable barriers in place to enforce the existing vehicle ban on Arbory Street and Malew Street.

The local authority is also proposing to provide general disc parking within Barracks Square, including disabled parking and delivery bays for services to businesses and properties within pedestrianised streets.

Chairman of Castletown Commissioners Tony Brown said the board "believes it is important to consult with the town regarding major proposals such as this that will have an impact on residents and businesses".

The process will run alongside another wider consultation on parking in the town.

The local authority said it would consider feedback and publish its final proposals before implementing the changes, which were hoped to be put in place in 2026.

Details of the proposals have been made available at Castletown Town Hall and online.

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