A proposal to have a funeral parlour in the heart of Port Erin for T S Keggen and Son Ltd has been given the support of the local authority.

However, members had reservations about whether this was the best place for such a business. The proposal is to convert the premises at 17 Orchard Road, formerly Clear Pharmacy, into a funeral parlour. Commissioner Steve George said: ’I’m not against it, we do need something but I would like to have seen something more cheerful.’

Dawn Sim was worried about it making the road more congested. ’I do not think people realise how much the road is used,’ she said.

Adrian Tinkler agreed it was busy, but added: ’The frequency [of use by the funeral parlour] is not likely to be too excessive.’

Barbara Guy said: ’There needs to be something done with it. Hopefully not that many people die in a week. We are trying to regenerate the area and have furniture for people to sit there. Would they feel comfortable?’

’People usually stop when there’s a funeral,’ said Phil Crellin. ’The building will be respected. I do not see a problem with it.’ Chairman Nick Watterson added: ’Ideally it would be something else.’

Marc Morley proposed they support the plan. The other commissioners agreed except for Ms Sim, Mrs Guy and Mr George, who abstained.