Story perspectives

Parking closures cut Castletown footfall, shop owners warn

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 3:39 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Patsy Lockerby says declining footfall is hurting shops in Castletown.
She is the only shop open on Malew Street, showing severe closures.
She blames repeated Market Square parking closures by commissioners for reduced footfall.
She urges government to provide affordable support for new independent businesses in the town centre.
Voters in Arbory, Castletown and Malew cite empty shops, parking provision and rising living costs as key concerns.

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Story summary

Patsy Lockerby says declining footfall is hurting shops in Castletown.
She is the only shop open on Malew Street, showing severe closures.
She blames repeated Market Square parking closures by commissioners for reduced footfall.
She urges government to provide affordable support for new independent businesses in the town centre.
Voters in Arbory, Castletown and Malew cite empty shops, parking provision and rising living costs as key concerns.