Ramsey Commissioners have broadly welcomed the Department of Infrastructure’s draft proposals to provide flood protection for the quayside, along with some redevelopment.

The scheme would include flood walls between East Quay and the swing bridge, and between the swing bridge and the stone bridge, plus a seating/recreation area.

In their response to the department, the commissioners say they recognise and welcome the wish to ’tidy’ the quayside area, but have concerns about the potential loss of parking spaces.

They emphasise their desire to maintain the working harbour.

They ask that when the actual scheme is presented, it is to the public and the board at the same time.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle told the House of Keys in November that £60 million had been put aside for flood prevention measures in sites of high risk of river and coastal flooding as well as coastal erosion across the island.

A report in 2015 identified Ramsey and Castletown as being at the highest risk of flooding.

The report recommended that work be carried out in the short term (2016-2021).

Castletown’s wall was being planned prior to the 2015 floods and is already finished.