Consultation on Pedestrianisation ‘Likely’

Castletown Town Commissioners say their support for pedestrianising the town’s Market Square is likely to be open to public consultation.

The board unanimously supported vice chair Beth Cannan’s motion to pedestrianise the square all year instead of just the summer months.

In a statement, the board said the square’s usage has ‘evolved since a trial partial closure was initiated in 2017’.

It added: ‘While the concept’s viability has been established, the Board members unanimously agreed that definitive action is necessary to provide certainty which will enable the town and local businesses and other key stakeholders to invest in better-quality street furniture.

‘Despite the board’s preference for pedestrianisation, any potential closure of the square will be contingent on an application submitted to the Department of Infrastructure with whom the Board have agreed to conduct a wider review of the traffic regulations within the town centre.

‘Such an application will likely mandate further evidence of public consultation and Castletown Town Commissioners are disappointed that this has not been reflected in the media reporting of last nights discussions. ‘

Throughout the summer the square has hosted numerous events including BushyVision, with the brewery already indicating it is keen to return to the square next year for events such as Mark Cavendish’s bid to claim a record 35th win at the Tour de France.