Castletown Commissioners agree to permanently pedestrianise the square

The Department of Infrastructure will make the final decision

Castletown Commissioners have unanimously agreed to permanently pedestrianise Market Square. 

The decision was made at last night's (6 November) public meeting and will now be put before the Department of Infrastructure, which has the final say on whether the scheme can go ahead. 

It was costing the commissioners £150 to temporarily close the square for small, out of season events - money which the authority thinks could be spent on benefits for ratepayers.

The board said that if there was a longer term or year-round closure it would make it easier for other parties to use the space.

An amendment was made by commissioner Jerry Ludford-Brooks to consult residents and traders but this failed. 

The motion was put forward by deputy chair Beth Cannan. 

Chair of the authority Jamie Horton said a survey was carried out, with 74 per cent of people who responded saying they wanted the square to stay closed to cars. 

He said: "I understand there has been push back from the traders, but do we go with the minority or the majority."

Commissioner Colin Leather said he would back Beth Cannan's motion and said the heritage around the square is 'fantastic'.

Fellow board member Jimmy Cubbon said no one was given a 'town centre management course' but they have to consider the traders, the residents and the office workers when making the decision. 

After the vote had taken place Jamie Horton said: "This does not mean we will get this. It goes to the government, and we leave it up to them."