Port St Mary Commissioners says its ‘saddened’ by local newsagent closure

The chair of Port St Mary Commissioners says the closure of the area’s newsagents and post office is a ‘wake up call’ to how important business are for the village.

Torden Stores announced it was closing earlier this month after previously telling customers it was no longer selling magazines and newspapers.

Jean Teare says residents raised concerns with the local authority about having to travel to Castletown or Port Erin to use Post Office services.

‘Losing any business from the port is always disappointing,’ she said. ‘The blow of the newsagents coupled with the post office gives us a wake-up call about how important and fragile businesses are, and how commercial entities need to be looked after.

‘We were saddened to to hear about the the closure, as we know many residents relied on Torden Stores, both weekly and daily.

‘From Port St Mary Commissioner's point of view, our clerk and deputy clerk did go down to speak to the family to see if there's anything they could do to support them.’

She adds that despite the closure, Port St Mary has a ‘strong’ high street.

‘Generally we are quite strong in terms of the businesses we have here,’ she said. ‘I think they bring a real vibrancy to the village as well.

‘The Post Office have put out expressions of interest [for a new postal base in the village], so we've kept communicating with them from the very beginning. We will continue that dialogue until the end, and do our best to support whatever comes forward.’

A statement from Torden Stores announcing the closure earlier this month said: ‘After five wonderful years, Torden Stores is closing its doors.

‘We are happy to have met you all and will cherish the memories - thank you for being part of our journey.’