Ramsey is flourishing, the town’s local authority’s leader believes.

Commissioners chairman Andy Cowie has visited recently-opened or refurbished businesses.

He said: ’I was delighted to be able to visit some of the new businesses that have opened in the last few months to welcome them to Ramsey on behalf of the commission.

’I also took the opportunity to meet some of the retailers who have expanded or refurbished premises in the town. It is great to see yet more new retail businesses opening in Ramsey, backed up by the high level of confidence displayed by existing businesses in the future of the town.

’In what is a very challenging retail market across Britain it is good to see Ramsey flourishing, particularly in the busy run up to Christmas.

He added that the town’s position as the ’home of independent retail’ coupled free parking provided benefits for our visitors, residents and businesses alike.