Infrastructure Department Recommends Pedestrianization of Castletown Square

The infrastructure department has recommended approving the initiative to pedestrianise a town square located in the southern part of the Isle of Man. This measure, which involves closing Market Square in Castletown to vehicular traffic during the summer, was initially piloted in 2017 with the aim of increasing visitor numbers via community events. In November of last year, the Castletown Commissioners voted to implement a year-round ban on vehicles and subsequently submitted an application for a traffic order to the Department of Infrastructure (DOI). The DOI stated that although the order had received a recommendation for approval, it was still pending final authorization from a minister, which was anticipated to occur this week. During a meeting of the local authority, Commissioner Beth Cannan, who put forward this initiative last year, conveyed that the proposal had “received support” from the Department of Infrastructure, but the authority would still need to wait “a little longer for the minister’s decision.” She had previously indicated that should approval be granted, the authority intends to hire an urban design specialist to incorporate permanent elements like street furniture, seating, and green spaces. At the public meeting, board member Colin Leather reported that he had surveyed 16 local businesses, inquiring about their stance on the proposal. Of these, 11 businesses supported pedestrianisation, four opposed the decision, and one shop owner expressed no preference. Mr. Leather noted that opponents of the initiative contended it would hinder customers from making quick purchases, whereas supporters claimed it had no negative impact on their operations and enhanced the area.