Bid for Saturday high street traffic ban

The planned pedestrian area would stretch from Lloyds Bank to near East Street

Proposals have been put forward to shut part of a town's high street off to traffic on Saturdays during the summer months.

Ramsey commissioner Lamara Craine will ask the local authority board to support a summer trial of the pedestrianisation of part of Parliament Street.

She said the closure would be between Christian Street and Crellin’s Lane, would increase footfall for local firms and cut air pollution in the area.

If agreed by the commissioners, the scheme would be run from 10:00 until 14:00 GMT on Saturdays between May and September.

It supported, it would see Ramsey follow similar moves in the south of the island.

Castletown Commissioners pedestrianised the town square for seven months this year, following on from previous trials of the arrangement.

'Enjoy Ramsey'

Craine said, while it would be "vital" that a consultation take place ahead of any traffic ban, the scheme would increase revenue for local businesses and protect the health and wellbeing of those living in locally by reducing pollution in the area.

She stressed it was not about pedestrianising all of Ramsey, but "just a small part", acknowledging that some people were "fearful" about a ban on vehicles.

She explained that allowing vehicular access from East Street for deliveries would work to prevent "trucks and wagons mounting the kerb, which happens on a daily basis".

She added that in the removing cars from the section between Lloyds Bank and Bar Logo on Saturdays would allow people to put out tables and chairs and move around more easily, enabling them to "sit, talk and enjoy Ramsey".

The proposal will be discussed by Ramsey Commissioners at the board's December meeting.