The roadworks in Port Erin are progressing well with the junction of Station Road and Bridson Street reopening today (Thursday), earlier than anticipated.

The local authority also heard on Tuesday that pedestrian access from the Haven pub to Strand Road will be reinstated in three weeks’ time.

The whole scheme - a regeneration project centring on the station - will be completed by TT.

The station has been remodelled with a new canopy, and the whole area will have new paving, trees, street furniture and lighting.

While the work is being done, underground services are being renewed.

The next phase involves renewing the pavement outside the shops on Station Road, and there are plans to maintain access to businesses, maybe creating diversions onto the roadway.

The road surface will have to be planed and finished up to the garage when Station Road is complete.

The water main is now installed up to the museum, which is well advanced on where they hoped to be.

Village traders told Isle of Man Newspapers the work has had a ’pretty dramatic’ impact and Manton’s said takings were 70 per cent down on what would be expected.

Nick Watterson, chairman of Port Erin Commissioners, acknowledged the difficulties that many local traders were experiencing but endorsed the scheme, insisting that the substantial investment was both necessary and long overdue.

The commissioners are providing upgraded street lighting, public wifi and CCTV.

To make it easier for pedestrians to move around the area, a wide crossing will connect the railway station with the shops and businesses.

Part of Orchard Road will be accessible only to pedestrians while access will be maintained for vehicles to the lane between Station Road and Church Street and the Station Hotel car park.

Disabled access is also being enhanced as part of the project.

Steve George, chairman of Port Erin Traders’ Association, said: ’The message from all the traders is that Port Erin is very much open for business.

’We are looking forward to seeing the finished result of this investment and appreciate the support that customers are giving by continuing to use the shops while the works are under way.’