The pedestrianisation of Market Square in Castletown is likely to be one of the key issues in next year’s commissioners elections.

The issue has proved a divisive issue in the past, with traders fearing lost business if parking spaces are removed.

The commissioners’ chairman, David Parnell, said that the final decision should ultimately rest with voters.

He said: ’Longer term the commissioners have a vision of the square being pedestrianised during the summer.

’That’s not a view which is shared by the vociferous minority on social media, but we’ve been having this debate since I’ve been on the commissioners - which is eight years now.

’We’ve got an election coming up in April and I want to have a public meeting with all the candidates who’ve put there name forward there to ask the simple question: "If you’re elected, will you vote to pedestrianise the square during the summer - yes or no?".

’And, in my view, if a majority of commissioners say "yes" to pedestrianising the square get elected, that’s what should happen.

’If a majority say no, then that’s fair enough - the public have spoken.’

Asked where he thinks public opinion currently lies, he said: ’I think on a nice, sunny summer’s day the town say "Why on earth do you ever have cars in here?"

’On a horrible day in February, people say: "What a stupid idea to keep the cars out".

’I think most people who you talk to want the square to be pedestrianised in the summer.’