Café Forced to Close as Prom Shuts with Little Warning

A popular Laxey café has been forced to close for the rest of today after the promenade was shut due to coastal overtopping, sparking frustration over what it says was a lack of warning.

The Shed announced it would be closed for the rest of Tuesday (February 3) after Laxey Promenade was closed following high tide, saying it only found out via social media.

In a post to customers, the café said: ‘The Isle of Man Department of Infrastructure have failed yet again to advise us that this was happening – and we have had to find out from FB.

‘Very annoyed & very frustrated with the lack of communication.’

The business said it understands why closures are sometimes necessary, but said the lack of clarity around timings, access for pedestrians and reopening was having a real impact.

‘We understand why closures need to happen but the lack of clear communication around when it’s closing, for how long, whether it’s accessible to pedestrians, and when it’s planned to re-open is NO GOOD for business,’ the post added.

The Shed also pointed out that its end of the promenade is often unaffected by overtopping, sharing CCTV footage showing relatively calm conditions nearby.

The closure comes amid a spell of severe coastal conditions around the island.

Two promenades in Ramsey, Mooragh Promenade and Queen’s Promenade, have also been closed due to what the Department of Infrastructure described as ‘significant’ overtopping, with roads set to remain shut until conditions improve.

The DoI has also confirmed Laxey Promenade was closed due to stones being thrown over the sea wall by strong waves.

The Ronaldsway Met Office had issued an amber weather warning for coastal overtopping earlier today, as strong easterly winds combined with a large high tide.

With winter already proving tough for small businesses, The Shed summed it up simply: ‘Running a small business is particularly tough at the moment – not to mention during an exceptionally tough winter.’