Market Square pedestrianisation a 'finely balanced' issue says DoI minister

Michelle Haywood says it will stay closed while the commissioners come up with plan

The new infrastructure minister says the pedestrianisation of Market Square in Castletown is 'more finely balanced' than she first realised.

Michelle Haywood says she's giving Castletown Commissioners time to plan what they'd like to do with the area by leaving it closed during the winter. 

It's been shut to vehicles since March.

The authority says it wants to 'create' a pedestrian-friendly town centre that 'prioritises' safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.

However it's a decision that's been widely criticised including by former MHKs for the area Tony Brown and Richard Ronan and John Cringle the former Chairman of Castletown Town Commissioners.

They've expressed their 'total dismay' at the minister's alleged 'refusal' to re-open the square and accused of her of refusing to accept the real concerns being expressed by residents and businesses. 

In a statement they said: "The present situation is totally avoidable if those in political positions representing the town actually considered the impact their decisions are having on the town and it’s businesses. 

"There could be no argument if the closure of the Market Square was providing a real benefit to the town and its businesses but it is not. 

"The total closure during this time of year is destroying the town.

"It is not too late for the minister to resolve this matter and to give support to the hard-working small retail family businesses in the town who are presently suffering loss of business unnecessarily due to what actually was an unexpected winter closure of the Market Square, which is supported by the minister, we hope she will revisit this matter again, urgently, and reverse her decision and agree to re-open the Market Square before Christmas.”

In response Castletown Commissioners said: "While we acknowledge their views we respectfully disagree with their assessment of the situation. 

"Their arguments appear to reflect an outdated perspective that prioritises vehicular access over a broader vision for a vibrant and accessible town. 

"It is disappointing that one of the lead petitioners, as a former chairman of the commissioners, has chosen not to disclose their longstanding personal interest in parking availability in the immediate vicinity of Market Square. 

"Transparency is essential to ensure that discussions about Castletown’s future are conducted in good faith."

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Minister Haywood: