Lots of 'discontent' in Castletown over winter pedestrianisation of Market Square 

Traders and residents attended a public meeting about the issue last night

A public meeting was held last night about Castletown Commissioners' decision to close Market Square to vehicles during the winter months.

About 100 people in attendance quizzed a panel including two of the current board members, two former Castletown MHKs and a former chairman.

Concerns were raised about the lack of communication from the local authority about the decision and the process, no public consultation into the winter closure and there being no thought for the traders.

The most prominent complaint was the perceived lack of consideration given to residents who have a disability and aren’t able to park safely in other areas of the town to access the shops.

One local said the car park by the grammar school isn’t ‘safe’ for elderly people, especially in poor weather, whilst another said the narrow entrance and exit is ‘dangerous’ for small children and prams.

Another said she had been told by the Chair of Castletown Commissioners Beth Cannan that she wasn’t in favour of the square closing in winter herself – Mrs Cannan was not there to back up that claim.

Residents also spoke about the lack of consultation about the decision - they criticised the commissioners for putting the meeting minutes on display in a ‘hidden’ and inaccessible location in the town.

This resident said there’s a lot of ‘discontent’ in the town:

Traders from across the town were at the meeting, none of them were in favour of the winter closure – the majority said their takings were down on previous years.

Rachel, who owns Belles and Bows told the meeting that her clients often have appointments in the evening and having parking in the square during winter is ‘ideal’ as the weather can be ‘atrocious’.

DJ Degsy and his partner own the Vintage Tearoom in the town and he said people are more likely to go to Port Erin than to Castletown due to the parking situation and said this October’s takings are more than 70 percent down on last year.

Whilst Sheree who owns Gaslight Gift shop said it’s ‘ridiculous’ to have the square closed to vehicles in winter and said her takings are down by 50 percent because of it.

The owner of Jac Stores Chris Blatcher said he had been told by a business that they wouldn’t open in Castletown due to the ‘attitude’ of the commissioners and the parking situation:

Only two of the commissioners were in attendance at the meeting – Jimmy Cubbon and Colin Leather - which was appreciated by the residents.

A number though, were not impressed by the statement provided on behalf of the board, read out by the chair of the meeting Paul Costain, with one claiming it couldn’t have been written by the clerk.

The lack of consultation was brought up a number of times to the two members as well as what the benefit would be to residents – with a various people claiming it lies ‘empty’ even on Saturdays.

Mr Cubbon and Mr Leather said they will take all the concerns on board: