Bid to pedestrianise square year round criticised

A local authority's bid to pedestrianise a town square in the south of the Isle of Man has been criticised by a former MHK for the area.

In a move first trialled in 2017, vehicles have been banned from Market Square in Castletown between during the summer months in a bid to boost footfall and host community events.

Last year Castletown Commissioners voted to apply to the Department of Infrastructure for full pedestrianisation, and a notice has now been issues outlining the change.

But Tony Brown, who also served as a commissioner, said the decision was "illogical" as there was "not a great demand" for use of the space during the winter months.

He said while he was "fully in favour" of the square being closed off during the summer season, Castletown would lose up to 20 parking spaces in the centre of town at a time when the weather "does not lend it to be used as a facility for leisure".

The current arrangements mean the square is due to reopen by the end of the month.

Under the drafted order, vehicles would be banned from the square with the exemption of those used by the emergency services, the local authority for statutory duties, or for infrastructure, maintenance or utilities purposes.

Parking bays would be available on the north east side of Parade Road for one hour between 09:00 to 18:00 BST from Mondays to Saturdays.

A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure said it had recently advertised the Traffic Regulations Order after it was requested by Castletown Commissioners earlier in the year.

He said anyone that wanted to make a representation had until 18 October to contact the traffic regulation order team in writing, and all comments would be considered before the order was made.

Castletown Commissioners chairman Beth Cannan said she was "pleased" the matter had "finally been brought forward after receiving widespread attention" in 2023.

The local authority encouraged "all ratepayers and visitors" to share their views on order by writing to the department, she added.

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