MHK wants discussion on Castletown square plans

Traders and residents need clarity says Cregeen

Traders and residents in Castletown have many questions left unanswered over plans to pedestrianise Market Square according to an MHK.

Since the town’s commissioners announced their intention to ‘reclaim the area’ as a public space, Arbory Castletown and Malew member Graham Cregeen says he’s received numerous calls from concerned members of the public.

Following a vote earlier this month, the local authority has requested the Department of Infrastructure close the square to parking.

Initially the commissioners had asked the department for parking to be reduced to 30 minutes, but the request was ignored, and the Board felt it right to push for full pedestrianisation.

The decision was made by the Board after it received ‘positive feedback’ from the community and a public survey where 62% of the 385 respondents were supportive of the proposals.

It’s expected other vehicle spaces will be made available at car parks close to the square.

However, many shop owners are worried the loss of parking will mean a downturn in business, and that responsibility for maintenance of the square hasn’t been properly explained.

Officials at the local authority say representation was made on a number of occasions to those in the community, and that ultimately elected members will make decisions which split opinion.

Mr Cregeen wants to see the commissioners sit down with those businesses and residents to talk over the plans, after some claimed they hadn’t been consulted.