The regeneration project in Port Erin is progressing well with the work scheduled to be finished in time for TT - and the station should be ready for the first trains of the season on March 18.

An update was provided by project manager Ashley Pettit to Steven Stanley, who is at the Cabinet Office and in charge of regeneration projects.

Mr Pettit wrote: ’We’ve had our progress meeting and the contractor is still confident to complete by TT.’

The work centres on the railway station and involves its redesign, new paving and the creation of a ’transport hub’.

While the road is dug up, services including the water main are being replaced.

The road through the main shopping area has been closed to traffic for several weeks and this has had a severe impact on traders. This was covered in a previous report, when Mantons claimed takings were 70 per cent down on what they would expect.

Mr Pettit said the junction of Station Road and Bridson Street will be closed for another two weeks while the main is connected to the shops and the Cherry Orchard.

Both entrances to the Spar shop and garage are reopened.

He added: ’The contractor is waiting for the final delivery of kerbs and has been working where he can to ensure the station can reopen ready for the first train.’

Once the new water main is installed, in the next few weeks, they will reopen crossings

Mr Pettit said that people appeared to be using the shops despite the disruption: ’I am surprised how busy the coffee shops and Station Hotel is, and while there may be some drop off in trade, this is mostly visitors frustrated by the diversions.

’The local trade seems to be buoyant and people are supporting their shops.’

The Whistlestop cafe, within the station, is closed until Monday due to a family bereavement.