Extra coach parking pencilled for summer tourists

A local authority on the Isle of Man has decided to introduce more coach parking spaces this summer due to an anticipated increase in visitor numbers.

The move follows concerns from off-island travel operators about a lack of spaces.

Castletown Commissioners said they had found room for up to eight coach spaces -as opposed to the current four - in the town centre, along Farrants Way.

The local authority's chair, Tony Brown, said he hoped the shift would make "a big difference" in retaining Castletown's popularity during the busiest months of the year.

The plans, which reinstate previous coach parking in the town, also include a spot for smaller coaches.

Brown said they sometimes occupied spaces intended for larger coaches.

Brown said the move was "critically important" for the town to be "successful".

He added: "Whether people like it or not, we have to have easy access to the town, whether that be by car, coach or bus".

He said the town's "big plus" was the historical offering to tourists - such as Castle Rushen, the former seat of the House of Keys that was built in the 18th Century, and the newly built Manx National Heritage centre.

"The big spin-off is for the businesses," said Brown. "Anything we can do to attract people, come into town and use the businesses - then that's great."

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