Commissioner says link needed between government and businesses
A Ramsey commissioner says the new Local Economy Strategy is 'disconnected' from the town's reality.
Juan McGuinness believes that a plan to move the 'heart' of the town to Market Street doesn't make sense.
The strategy document aims to be a 'comprehensive roadmap' which will 'empower' local communities and stimulate economic activity.
Mr McGuinness says there should be a direct link between the businesses and the government without an extra layer of bureaucracy.
Our Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him:
The Department for Enterprise has given Manx Radio a statement.
Responding to claims of a disconnect between what Ramsey wants and what's in the plan, it says:
"The draft Local Economy Strategy is built on the principle of providing residents, Local Authorities and businesses with the tools to drive positive change and enable them to take ownership of their local areas.
"As part of this, it sets out plans for the creation of a Local Economy Fund to be accessible to Local Authorities and Trader Groups to enable them to champion a local-first approach to support improvements within their respective towns."
The department's also defended a perception of a heavy weighting towards Douglas in the plan, saying:
"Due to the size of Douglas in comparison to other towns across the Island it was naturally called out as a key focus area during the initial consultation.
"However the Strategy also acknowledges that improvements cannot be made using a one-size-fits-all approach, and makes clear that tailored plans for each town across the Island will be essential as part of the implementation phase."
DfE's also addressed concerns about moving the ‘heart of Ramsey’ to Market Square and away from Parliament Street and The Courthouse.
It says:
"The findings of the Town Audits referenced in the draft Local Economy Strategy represent an independent review of the Island’s urban areas, and seek to provide a baseline score and review.
"The suggestions outlined in these have been made by an independent body who conducted the reviews, and are not essential elements of the delivery of the Local Economy Strategy, as it will be for each Local Authority and community to determine whether they would be beneficial to take forward."
Finally, it adds Business Isle of Man is still welcoming feedback on the draft Local Economy Strategy and encourages local authorities, businesses and residents to submit their views.
An online survey is available here while there are also a number of meetings happening across the Island:
- North – Ramsey Town Hall: 13 August | 6pm-8pm
- West – Fairway Golf Club: 20 August | 6pm-8pm
- South – Falcon’s Nest Hotel: 22 August | 6pm-8pm
- East – Launchpad Event Space: 5 September 6pm-8pm
More information about the strategy is available here.
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