It’s feared roadworks in and around the capital could discourage shoppers from heading into the high street, once retailers can reopen.

A number of Department of Infrastructure projects are currently being carried out which are affecting traffic going in and out of Douglas town centre - including those on Pulrose Bridge, Quarterbridge Road and Douglas Promenade.

Many retailers have been heavily impacted by coronavirus restrictions and efforts are now turning to ensuring they get the support they need to survive.

Douglas Council leader David Christian said: ’I do welcome this from the DoI - the fact we are seeing this investment in some of our roads and infrastructure which are falling into a poor state of repair.’

’At this present time you’ve got three quite major ones going on which are going to cause quite a bit of disruption, and I think it will put people off.

’And let’s face it, when we come out of this lockdown and we get Strand Street and the main shopping area up and running again - all of us are going to have to do all we possibly can to support local businesses, they’ve had a really rough time. Some of them have rallied really well with click and collect and home deliveries - but that’s not the same as having punters through the door.

’We need to get back into the street and make it a vibrant area again.’

Asked for an update on the discussed rate rebate for Douglas businesses, Mr Christian said: ’People can come forward [to the rating appeals board] for rates reductions, some people have received reductions, and I think there is another sitting in April where there are a number of businesses going forward again [for reductions].

’The council can submit views to the rating appeals board, but at the end of the day we have to accept the decision that comes back from them.’

lComment, page 8

A number of Department of Infrastructure projects are currently being carried out which are affecting traffic going in and out of Douglas town centre - including those on Pulrose Bridge, Quarterbridge Road and Douglas Promenade.