Parking times extended in ancient capital's centre
BBCThe time drivers can park in the square in the centre of the Isle of Man's ancient capital has been doubled.
Spaces have been reopened in Market Square in Castletown for the winter months, with the disc zone times extended from 30 minutes to an hour.
Concerns have been raised by local traders over the closure of the area to vehicles during the summer and its effect on footfall in the town centre.
Chairman of Castletown Commissioners Tony Brown said the board was taking a "pragmatic" approach listened to the feedback of those in the town.
Summer closures of the square have been in place for several years, but a proposal to pedestrianise the area all-year-round on a permanent basis by the previous board led to a backlash.
Reopening the area to parking in winter had "had a big impact last year", he said, adding: "The shops and cafes were telling us that their takings went up, some quite dramatically because people found the convenience of parking in the square is very important."
TONY BROWNBrown said making more use of the summer square closure of organised events and gatherings had been an important part of this summer's closure, which is what "most people wanted".
That was "not only close off the square but use it to provide a nice pleasant place to come to and use it to provide entertainment and enjoyment for people", he said.
"I think we've achieved a lot of that this year and hopefully we can build on it again next year."
However. he said the local authority was still mindful of the importance of the area overall.
"We can't ignore that Castletown Market Square is in the very centre of our town and we need to make it beneficial, not only to us to enjoy, but also for the benefit of the town and its businesses," he said.
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