Having suffered four months of disruption earlier this year Port Erin shoppers are once again about to lose parking spaces in Station Road, this time for six weeks.

However the Department of Infrastructure has assured them that it is all in a good cause as it will allow them to complete the Port Erin regeneration scheme improvements around the station and museum.

The work involves the realignment of the railway track and the extension of the existing platform on the station side.

A spokesman told the Manx Independent: ’In addition to an improved platform, the area will benefit from the completion of the paving, the construction of new walls and railings and the installation of new drainage and lighting.

’This work has been programmed in line with the availability of specialist contractors to undertake the rail element of the scheme and in an effort to minimise disruption to the railway operating season.

’Had the work around the railway station taken place at the same time at the main regeneration scheme, it would have had an impact on the number of rail passengers visiting Port Erin.’

For the duration of the works it will mean the closure of a small section of the footpath alongside the railway station and the suspension of seven car parking spaces on the road adjacent to the railway museum.

Contractors will start on site on Monday, September 4 and the work is scheduled for completion by Saturday, October 21.

The road will remain open to traffic throughout this period and no other parking spaces will be affected.

The department says it recognises the disruption experienced by the public and traders.

Ian Longworth, director of public transport, said: ’We are mindful of the extent to which Port Erin’s residents and businesses have been inconvenienced by the ongoing regeneration scheme.

’We hope the completed works will be viewed as a great improvement, integrating the rail and bus services with the improved railway station and museum, to the benefit of Port Erin’s residents, visitors and businesses.’

The track layout at Port Erin station was changed only a couple of years ago.

It was extended and realigned at the Station Road end using grooved tramway track.

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