Stories

Thu, 17 Sep 2026

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 Shop closures among concerns in ancient capital

Declining trade, parking and the cost of living are among concerns in Arbory, Castletown and Malew.

* A decline in footfall has led to several shop closures in Castletown, according to business owner Patsy Lockerby.
* Parking provision and rising costs of living have been cited as issues facing voters in Arbory, Castletown and Malew.
* Independent businesses need help from the government to get up and running in the town centre, said Lockerby.
* Fellow business owner Barry James agreed that parking was a major issue affecting footfall in the town.
* Local residents highlighted the need for steps to address the declining number of shops, with some suggesting rents could be playing a part in the decline.
* Rising costs of living have become an increasing concern, with many citing stagnant wages and high inflation rates.
* The lack of choice for Manx produce on supermarket shelves has been lamented by residents, including pensioner Maureen Sloan.
* Voters have expressed frustration with the government's stance on taxing benefits, particularly pensioners who "have worked all their lives" and now get taxed on their pension.
* Concerns over the replacement high school for the area have also been raised, with many parents feeling that a new school is urgently needed.