Wednesday 2 August 2023 at 14:53 from Manx Radio I’m writing to request a response from the Commissioners – whether statement or interview form – as a right of reply to comments made about the Commissioners from a business that has recently announced its closure. The owner of said business says they have no confidence in the local authority in attempting to re-vitalise the town’s footfall or boost tourism. Furthermore, we’re told there are Commissioners that attend the Port Erin Traders Meeting but are “noticeable by their silence”. The business owner also says it’s not just their business that is struggling and believes many in the town are on the brink of closure. We’re intending to run this in Update today – please may we request a comment/interview or statement from yourselves before 17.00. If we don’t hear back, we will use the line ‘Manx Radio has approached Port Erin Commissioners for comment’ until a response has been received. Thursday 3 August 2023 at 13:45 to Manx Radio Statement - Port Erin Commissioners It is obviously very sad to hear that a business is closing its outlet within Port Erin to move back to its online model. The lower costs of operating an online business compared with the huge increases in energy costs, borrowing costs, inflationary pressures including wages, and landlord rents are having a major impact on all aspects of retail and service business operations. Port Erin will see three new businesses starting in the coming months which Port Erin Commissioners has supported along the process. This is in addition to several other new businesses in recent years. The new tourism site in Port Erin has been delayed due to various issues but is opening this weekend which will bring additional visitors and footfall. The Board supports many events and initiatives throughout the year to both increase footfall and expenditure in retail outlets. It is disappointing that the former food store on Church Road has laid empty now for several years, as this had been a big draw for footfall to the area in the past. If this store were open, it would undoubtedly increase footfall, but without a clear policy to address or support empty long term retail properties by Government, this could be an ongoing issue. The current Board and previous Boards have been supportive of the regeneration of Church Road which was planned to be the follow-on phase to Station Road and the Railway Station. Unfortunately, this project has been delayed repeatedly despite Port Erin Commissioners chasing progress with the Department of Infrastructure and Rushen MHK’s for over 5 years. Sadly, there now appears little interest in progressing this project from Government. Port Erin Commissioners has a representative member which attends Port Erin Traders meetings and reports any comments back to the Board for consideration. MHKs also attend these meetings so are acutely aware of any concerns raised by local businesses. Released 3 August 2023 – 13:45 312 words
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