Commissioners will be 'enhancing' shelter on Laxey Promenade

Response following petition over removal of cafe's benches

Garff Commissioners say they are yet to finalise plans which are designed to enhance the current facilities at a shelter on Laxey Promenade.

The local authority has come under fire after it was revealed the Laxey Beach Cafe had been asked to remove its picnic benches and planters from the area.

Owner Julie Pinson, who is also a commissioner for the area, says she was alerted that an existing 15-year agreement was at risk following a review of the entire promenade.

She spoke to Lewis Foster:

A petition to stop the benches being removed has attracted more than 3,000 signatures.

You can find more details HERE.

These people in Laxey told Manx Radio they wanted the benches to stay:

Garff Commissioners say they will be ‘enhancing’ the current facilities within the public shelter over the coming months.

In a statement the authority added: “It should be noted, however, that all customers of the adjacent kiosk takeaway will be absolutely welcome to use the facilities to consume food and drink items inside the building; along with all members of the public.

“The commissioners have not fully finalised their plans at this stage but have resolved to install lockers for ‘swimmers’, adjacent shower facilities beside the building, etc, along with a range of other internal facilities and amenities to benefit the public and beach users

“A further statement will be issued once the plans have been finalised.

“The commissioners remain committed to providing facilities which will assist and benefit local businesses.”

The Commissioners have since contacted Manx Radio to update their initial statement with the following:

'The Commissioners wish to reaffirm that their plans for the Public Shelter include provision of seating, etc. This will enable all Members of the Public, including customers of the adjacent kiosk to make free and full use of the Public Shelter to sit and consume food/drinks as they have always done.'

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