Follows criticism of commissioners by closing business owner
Government appears to have little interest in progressing regeneration of Church Road in Port Erin, according the local authority.
It follows criticism of the commissioners by a business owner who's being forced to close their physical operation in that location due to increased running costs and a lack of footfall.
Flipit - an upcycled and 'pre-loved' goods store - accused local government officials of 'falling short' and expressed a lack of confidence in them.
Port Erin Commissioners says despite repeated efforts to chase progress from the Department of Infrastructure, the project is being continually delayed.
A former food store has been derelict for a number of years which was identified as a 'big draw for footfall to the area' previously, but without 'clear policy to address or support' empty long-term retail properties by the government, the commissioners believe it could be an ongoing issue.
Manx Radio contacted the DOI for comment, but this was declined.
The full statement from Port Erin Commissioners:
"It is obviously very sad to hear that a business is closing its outlet within Port Erin to move back to its online model. The lower costs of operating an online business compared with the huge increases in energy costs, borrowing costs, inflationary pressures including wages, and landlord rents are having a major impact on all aspects of retail and service business operations.
"Port Erin will see three new businesses starting in the coming months which Port Erin Commissioners has supported along the process. This is in addition to several other new businesses in recent years. The new tourism site in Port Erin has been delayed due to various issues but is opening this weekend which will bring additional visitors and footfall.
"The Board supports many events and initiatives throughout the year to both increase footfall and expenditure in retail outlets.
"It is disappointing that the former food store on Church Road has laid empty now for several years, as this had been a big draw for footfall to the area in the past. If this store were open, it would undoubtedly increase footfall, but without a clear policy to address or support empty long term retail properties by Government, this could be an ongoing issue.
"The current Board and previous Boards have been supportive of the regeneration of Church Road which was planned to be the follow-on phase to Station Road and the Railway Station. Unfortunately, this project has been delayed repeatedly despite Port Erin Commissioners chasing progress with the Department of Infrastructure and Rushen MHK’s for over 5 years. Sadly, there now appears little interest in progressing this project from Government.
"Port Erin Commissioners has a representative member which attends Port Erin Traders meetings and reports any comments back to the Board for consideration. MHKs also attend these meetings so are acutely aware of any concerns raised by local businesses."
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